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The Xi Xia, Liao and the JinThe Xi Xia, Liao and the Jin

Barfield, Thomas, Barfield, Thomas, The Perilous Frontier,” The Perilous Frontier,” pp 164-186.pp 164-186. ““Marriage, Kinship and Succession under the Ch’i-tan Marriage, Kinship and Succession under the Ch’i-tan

Rulers of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) in Holmgren, Rulers of the Liao Dynasty (907-1125) in Holmgren, Jennifer, Jennifer, Marriage, Kinship and Power in Northern China, Marriage, Kinship and Power in Northern China, Part V, pp 44-91.Part V, pp 44-91.

Twitchett, Denis & Fairbank, John K., Twitchett, Denis & Fairbank, John K., The Cambridge The Cambridge History of China: The Alien Dynasties, (v2). History of China: The Alien Dynasties, (v2). pp 189-214.pp 189-214. Chinese translation availableChinese translation available

Franke, Herbert and Chan, Hok-lam, Franke, Herbert and Chan, Hok-lam, Studies on the Jurchen Studies on the Jurchen and the Jin Dynastyand the Jin Dynasty..

  Tao, Jing-shen. Tao, Jing-shen. The Jurchen in twelfth-century China study The Jurchen in twelfth-century China study of sinicization.of sinicization. Seattle: University of Washington Press, Seattle: University of Washington Press, 1976, pp38-52,68-84.1976, pp38-52,68-84.

The Xi Xia, Liao and the JinThe Xi Xia, Liao and the Jin IntroductionIntroduction The Tangut and Xi XiaThe Tangut and Xi Xia The Qidan and the LiaoThe Qidan and the Liao The Jurchen and the JinThe Jurchen and the Jin Next ReadingNext Reading

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IntroductionIntroduction After the Five Dynasties Period, China was divided into three After the Five Dynasties Period, China was divided into three

different states at different times:different states at different times: During the first period, there were Xi Xia, Liao, and the Song.During the first period, there were Xi Xia, Liao, and the Song.

Xi Xia Xi Xia 西夏 西夏 ((1038 – 12271038 – 1227)– in the west )– in the west bordering the trade bordering the trade route route , was ruled by the , was ruled by the Tangut Tangut 党项党项 ; (dangxiang) ; (dangxiang) (Qiang: (Qiang: 羌羌族族 ) for ) for 189 years. 189 years.

Liao Liao 辽 辽 (907-1125) –in the north bordering today’s Inner (907-1125) –in the north bordering today’s Inner Mongolia was ruled by the Qidan Mongolia was ruled by the Qidan 契丹 契丹 for 218 years. for 218 years.

Song (960-1279) was ruled by the Han for 319 years – first Song (960-1279) was ruled by the Han for 319 years – first occupied the territory of the Later Zhou (with its capital in occupied the territory of the Later Zhou (with its capital in Kaifeng), then expanded southward; this portion of rule is Kaifeng), then expanded southward; this portion of rule is known in History as the Northern Song. The ruling family known in History as the Northern Song. The ruling family was pushed south by the Jurchen and that portion of history was pushed south by the Jurchen and that portion of history is known as the Southern Song. Both Northern and Southern is known as the Southern Song. Both Northern and Southern Song were ruled by the same imperial family, surnamed Song were ruled by the same imperial family, surnamed Zhao.Zhao.

Introduction (2)Introduction (2) During the second period, there were Xi Xia, Jin (Gold), and the During the second period, there were Xi Xia, Jin (Gold), and the

Song.Song. Xi Xia occupying the same territory in the west for Xi Xia occupying the same territory in the west for 189 years. 189 years. Jin (Gold) (1115-1234) – had defeated the Liao and occupied the Jin (Gold) (1115-1234) – had defeated the Liao and occupied the

Liao territory bordering on Inner Mongolia and the 16 Liao territory bordering on Inner Mongolia and the 16 prefectures near Beijing (given to them during the Five Dynasties prefectures near Beijing (given to them during the Five Dynasties Period). The Jin were Jurchen and ruled in the north for 115 Period). The Jin were Jurchen and ruled in the north for 115 years.years.

Song – Southern Song – was pushed south by the Jin (Gold) until Song – Southern Song – was pushed south by the Jin (Gold) until it resettled its capital in present-day Hangzhou.it resettled its capital in present-day Hangzhou.

All three states were wiped out by the Mongols (All three states were wiped out by the Mongols (260-1368) 260-1368) who who established the Yuan dynasty established the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) .(1271–1368) . Xi Xia was destroyed in 1227;Xi Xia was destroyed in 1227; Jin in 1234;Jin in 1234; Song in 1279.Song in 1279.

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The Tangut and the Xi Xia

The Tangut and the Xi Xia The Tangut The Xi Xia The Power of Maternal Relatives The End of the Xi Xia

The Tangut The earliest Chinese texts described the Tangut 党项 as

descendants of the western Qiang 羌族羌族 . The Tangut had been pushed out by Tibet and

submitted to the Tang; they were granted the Tang imperial surname of Li, and settled in modern Gansu .

They remained loyal to the Tang during the revolt of Huang Chao, but had de-facto independence when Tang fell and kept their independence throughout the Five Dynasties Period (907-960).

Li Deming 李德明 (c.982 ), Chief of the Tangut officially formed an independent state (982). The Tangut called their state "The Great State of the

White and the Lofty” 大白高國 but since they were to the west of China, the Chinese called it Xi-Xia 西夏 (1032-1227), "Western Xia”.

The Xi Xia Li Yuanhao 李元昊 (r.1038-1048), son and successor of Li

Deming, had many successful military campaigns and took large portions of Gansu from the Uyghurs. He declared himself the “emperor” of the Tangut Empire. He then launched a military campaign against the Song

and demanded that the Song emperor treated him as an equal.

The Song agreed to recognize him as 'governor', but not as 'emperor’. Xi Xia agreed to recognize the Song emperor in return for

annual tributes from the Song. After the Liao had a favorable treaty (Shanyuan: 1044) with

conditions favorable to the Liao from the Song, Xi Xia demanded additional benefits from the Song. The Song agreed to recognize the Xi Xia leader as a de

facto ruler of the Tangut and increased their annual tribute to Xi Xia.

The Xi Xia (2) Li Yuanhao’s father, Li Deming, had been very

liberal and the nomads had become quite sinicized.

But, Li Yuanhao did not want his people imitating the Chinese too closely and emphasized the value of their traditional nomadic way of life and discouraged any dependence on Chinese luxury items. He tried to revive tribal customs and

ordered the creation of an official Tangut script.

He, himself, knew Chinese and had Chinese works translated into Tangut – religious texts were kept in Tibetan.

The Xi Xia (3) Li Yuanhao also instituted laws that reinforced traditional

cultural customs, such as: Rejected his Chinese name of "Li," and adopted a Tangut

name: Weiming ( 嵬名 ). Renamed the capital city "Xingqing" ( 興慶 ). Called for citizens to wear traditional ethnic apparel. Required wearing hair short or shaving the head (as

opposed to the Chinese custom at the time of wearing hair long and knotted).

Trade with the Song was minimized or cut off until a peace treaty was signed four years before his death.

But, in the area of government, he reorganized his Empire with the help of Chinese advisors and created new departments and administrative services.

The Power of Maternal Relatives

The power of maternal relatives was very strong between 1048 – 1099 and 1138-1158. After the death of the founding emperor, his infant son,

Yizong 毅宗 (r.1048-68), was chosen to succeed him with his uncle, Muo Cang as regent (1048- 1061) who then ruled as defacto ruler.

As Yizong (1048-1068) grew he became more independent and in 1061, at the age of 14, he eliminated the regent.

He married his accomplice, Lady Liang, formerly the unhappy wife of the regent’s son, and named her younger brother as palace minister with hereditary tenure.

For two generations, Liang empresses and their brothers ruled over the state as hereditary Chief Ministers.

The strength of the dominant Liang faction was in the armed strength of their allies among tribal chieftains.

The Power of Maternal Relatives (2)

When Yizong died in battle his eldest son who was 17 years

old was enthroned as Huizong (r.1068-1086). Huizong had grown up under the complete dominance of

his mother, the Empress Dowager Liang, and her younger brother.

He was married to one of his uncle’s daughters to ensure the continuation of the Liang family’s hold on imperial power.

In 1080, Huizong, unhappy under his mother’s dominance discarded Tangut ritual which had been favored by her.

A year later, Huizong was temporarily imprisoned as it was alleged that he had conspired with his Chinese concubine to turn over southern Gansu to the Song.

But, the emperor’s supporters who opposed Liang rule returned Huizong to his throne in 1083.

The warrior ED Liang – who had defeated the Song in military campaigns – died two years later.

The Power of Maternal Relatives (3)

In 1086, three-year old son, Chongzong (r.1086-1139) succeeded at the age of three under the regency of Huizong’s widow, the new Empress Dowager Liang with her brother as palace minister. In 1094, ED Liang suspected her brother of plotting against

her and her son and got rid of the Chief Minister. After his mother’s death in 1099, Chongzong (1086-1139),

ruled in partnership with the imperial clan elders who had supported him. The maternal relatives were kept in control. In 1105, the emperor was married to a Liao princess. In 1138, he named the daughter of a surrendered Chinese

as empress. Her father then dominated the court for 20 years.

Chongzong died after 53 years on the throne and his son, Renzong (1140-1193) who was 16 year old ruled for over half a century.

The end of Xi Xia The Mongol Empire campaigned six times against the Xi

Xia (1202, 1207, 1209-10, 1211-13, 1214-19, 1225-26). In 1207, the ruler of Xi Xia submitted to the Mongols,

gave his daughter to Ghengis Khan in marriage, abdicated, and then died, in 1211.

The Mongols asked their allies for military aid in the campaign against the Islamic countries; although the Xi Xia emperor was willing, his court recommended against it.

When Ghengis Khan returned from his campaign to punish the Xi Xia, the new emperor pled with Ghengis Khan, but the Xi Xia general challenged Ghengis.

Ghengis died before he could conquer the Xi Xia but told his people – on his deathbed – to flatten the Xi Xia capital and kill all its inhabitants, which they did.

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The Qidan and the Liao The Qidan and the Liao DynastyDynasty

The Qidan and the Liao DynastyThe Qidan and the Liao Dynasty The QidanThe Qidan The Rise of AbaojiThe Rise of Abaoji Liao PracticesLiao Practices Powerful Warrior Empresses Powerful Warrior Empresses

YingtianYingtian ChengtianChengtian RenyiRenyi

The End of the LiaoThe End of the Liao

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The QidanThe Qidan

At the time of the Northern Wei, the Qidan At the time of the Northern Wei, the Qidan 契丹 契丹 were were nomads who herded animals for a living.nomads who herded animals for a living. During the Northern Wei, they had become a During the Northern Wei, they had become a

major power in the northeast.major power in the northeast. During the Northern Qi, they were defeated as During the Northern Qi, they were defeated as

they only had a weak confederation; a large they only had a weak confederation; a large number of Qidan became slaves.number of Qidan became slaves.

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The Qidan (2)The Qidan (2) During the Tang, the Qidan formally submitted to the During the Tang, the Qidan formally submitted to the

Tang – many Qidan served under the Tang (628) and Tang – many Qidan served under the Tang (628) and were controlled by a governor-general appointed by were controlled by a governor-general appointed by the Tang.the Tang.

The Qidan founded the Liao in early 10The Qidan founded the Liao in early 10thth Century and Century and the regimes during the Five Dynasties Period had to:the regimes during the Five Dynasties Period had to: Acknowledge it as an equal and at times, a Acknowledge it as an equal and at times, a

superior power, superior power, Establish permanent diplomatic relations with it Establish permanent diplomatic relations with it

and pay annual subsidies or tribute. and pay annual subsidies or tribute.

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The Qidan (3)The Qidan (3) Saladi of the Qidan, gradually increased his power by Saladi of the Qidan, gradually increased his power by

broadening his tribe’s economic base as tribal powers broadening his tribe’s economic base as tribal powers weakened.weakened. Farming was pioneered by the Yelu clan and made the Farming was pioneered by the Yelu clan and made the

tribe rich.tribe rich. He arranged a marriage alliance with a neighboring He arranged a marriage alliance with a neighboring

Uyghur – Xiao clan – that had developed a tradition of Uyghur – Xiao clan – that had developed a tradition of ironworking.ironworking.

His brother encouraged the production of cloth and the His brother encouraged the production of cloth and the construction of towns.construction of towns.

His son, Yelü Abaoji His son, Yelü Abaoji 耶律阿保機 耶律阿保機 (872-926), became head of (872-926), became head of the clan in 901 and used this base to expand his power.the clan in 901 and used this base to expand his power. The name Yelu was only adopted by the imperial family The name Yelu was only adopted by the imperial family

after the death of Abaoji.after the death of Abaoji.

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The Rise of AbaojiThe Rise of Abaoji In 901, Abaoji was made the chieftain of the Qidan and for the In 901, Abaoji was made the chieftain of the Qidan and for the

next several years, he raided areas around the Qidan lands. next several years, he raided areas around the Qidan lands. In 907, he was elected to be the leader of a military alliance In 907, he was elected to be the leader of a military alliance

and in 916 he created the Qidan empire naming himself Khan.and in 916 he created the Qidan empire naming himself Khan. His most difficult problem was to have the Qidan accept him His most difficult problem was to have the Qidan accept him

as a permanent leader as the Qidan re-elect their ruler every 3 as a permanent leader as the Qidan re-elect their ruler every 3 years. years. He served for 9 years then was pressured to step down.He served for 9 years then was pressured to step down. His wife, the future Empress Dowager Yingtian, helped him His wife, the future Empress Dowager Yingtian, helped him

ambush and murder the other chiefs when they went to buy ambush and murder the other chiefs when they went to buy salt from the Chinese.salt from the Chinese.

He declared himself Empreror with the help of Chinese He declared himself Empreror with the help of Chinese advisors.advisors.

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The Rise of Abaoji (2)The Rise of Abaoji (2) His relatives had supported him against the other chiefs His relatives had supported him against the other chiefs

thinking that they would succeed him according to traditional thinking that they would succeed him according to traditional custom of fraternal succession – passing the leadership to custom of fraternal succession – passing the leadership to brothers or cousins.brothers or cousins. They rebelled when it appeared that he was not going to do They rebelled when it appeared that he was not going to do

so.so. He pacified them by appointing one of his brothers to the He pacified them by appointing one of his brothers to the

office of Chief of the Yelu tribe and they thought that this office of Chief of the Yelu tribe and they thought that this brother would now be his successor.brother would now be his successor.

When they realized that he was never going to give up his When they realized that he was never going to give up his leadership one of his brothers led another rebellion in 913.leadership one of his brothers led another rebellion in 913.

He put down the rebellion within 3 months and executed He put down the rebellion within 3 months and executed those who had supported his brothers.those who had supported his brothers.

He never killed any of his brothers, only their supporters, He never killed any of his brothers, only their supporters, throughout the many rebellions led by his brothers.throughout the many rebellions led by his brothers.

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The Rise of Abaoji (3)The Rise of Abaoji (3) In 916, when election was again due he went through a In 916, when election was again due he went through a

Chinese-style accession ceremony and adopted a reign title.Chinese-style accession ceremony and adopted a reign title. This showed that he was now the equal of the Chinese This showed that he was now the equal of the Chinese

rulers. rulers. He named his eldest son, Bei (900-37), his heir. He named his eldest son, Bei (900-37), his heir.

He was again faced with rebellion in 917 but he was able to He was again faced with rebellion in 917 but he was able to suppress it.suppress it. By 920, his brothers had given up rebelling.By 920, his brothers had given up rebelling.

Abaoji diluted the power of his paternal relatives by:Abaoji diluted the power of his paternal relatives by: Creating an elite military corps which cut across tribal lines Creating an elite military corps which cut across tribal lines

and included Chinese from his territory into the corps.and included Chinese from his territory into the corps. He gave important positions to his wife’s family members.He gave important positions to his wife’s family members. He gave positions to distant relatives.He gave positions to distant relatives. He made members of other tribes honorary members of the He made members of other tribes honorary members of the

Yelu tribe and gave them important positions.Yelu tribe and gave them important positions.

Liao PracticesLiao Practices The Liao maintained its own cultural identity while ruling over The Liao maintained its own cultural identity while ruling over

a multiethnic state with a large Han Chinese population and a multiethnic state with a large Han Chinese population and controlling large territories in the north that had long been controlling large territories in the north that had long been ruled by the Tang. ruled by the Tang. For administrative purposes, the northern tribal section For administrative purposes, the northern tribal section

administered tribal affairs and kept documents in Qidan administered tribal affairs and kept documents in Qidan while the southern (Chinese) section administered the while the southern (Chinese) section administered the Chinese and used both Chinese and Qidan. Chinese and used both Chinese and Qidan.

This division helped to preserve their authority and cultural This division helped to preserve their authority and cultural identity; but, it was also divisive and caused problems identity; but, it was also divisive and caused problems between the northern and the southern sections.between the northern and the southern sections.

For tribal members, only members of the Imperial clan (Yelu) For tribal members, only members of the Imperial clan (Yelu) and the consort clan (Xiao) could have surnames names.and the consort clan (Xiao) could have surnames names.

Certain high ranking and influential offices were set aside for Certain high ranking and influential offices were set aside for members of the leading Yelu and Xiao clan members.members of the leading Yelu and Xiao clan members.

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Liao Practices (2)Liao Practices (2) The imperial clan, Yelu, took its spouses only from The imperial clan, Yelu, took its spouses only from

the Xiao/consort clan while the Xiao clan took its the Xiao/consort clan while the Xiao clan took its spouses only from the Yelu clan.spouses only from the Yelu clan.

Ideally, the empress would come from the higher Ideally, the empress would come from the higher or highest ranking consort lineage and her male or highest ranking consort lineage and her male relatives (Xiao) performed important political and relatives (Xiao) performed important political and military duties for the throne together with the military duties for the throne together with the paternal (Yelu) relatives. paternal (Yelu) relatives.

Other Xiao women were taken into the harem as Other Xiao women were taken into the harem as secondary wives.secondary wives.

Concubines would be ranked according to the Concubines would be ranked according to the status of the birth family and sons and status of the birth family and sons and daughters of these women would then marry daughters of these women would then marry back into the Xiao clan according to that status. back into the Xiao clan according to that status.

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Liao Practices (3)Liao Practices (3) The third emperor named a Chinese woman as his empress and The third emperor named a Chinese woman as his empress and

so faced a rebellion and was:so faced a rebellion and was: Forced to take another Xiao woman as empress (equal Forced to take another Xiao woman as empress (equal

wives).wives). The Yelu and Xiao clan were divided into ranked lineages, the The Yelu and Xiao clan were divided into ranked lineages, the

dominant lineage was the one that was descended from the dominant lineage was the one that was descended from the father of the first empress. father of the first empress.

The third emperor tried to weaken the power of the family of The third emperor tried to weaken the power of the family of the founding empress by giving the honorific name of Xiao to the founding empress by giving the honorific name of Xiao to other groups loyal to him. other groups loyal to him.

These adopted persons were encouraged to marry into the These adopted persons were encouraged to marry into the highest Yelu lineages including the imperial line. highest Yelu lineages including the imperial line.

But, after his death, the last lineage (maternal relatives of the But, after his death, the last lineage (maternal relatives of the third emperor) could not maintain their importance.third emperor) could not maintain their importance.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager YingtianEmpress Dowager Yingtian

The wife of the founding emperor, the Empress Yingtian, The wife of the founding emperor, the Empress Yingtian, was a great power during her husband’s lifetime. was a great power during her husband’s lifetime. Early in his reign, she had devised a plan for him to Early in his reign, she had devised a plan for him to

murder the tribal chiefs who opposed him. murder the tribal chiefs who opposed him. Later she established her own military camp, Later she established her own military camp,

commanded her own army of 200,000 horsemen to commanded her own army of 200,000 horsemen to maintain order when Abaoji was away on campaigns.maintain order when Abaoji was away on campaigns. She also organized campaigns against rival tribes. She also organized campaigns against rival tribes.

After his death, she took control of all military and civil After his death, she took control of all military and civil affairs. affairs.

When the time of his burial came, she refused to be When the time of his burial came, she refused to be buried with him -- according to Qidan custom -- although buried with him -- according to Qidan custom -- although more than 300 persons were buried in his mausoleum. more than 300 persons were buried in his mausoleum. Instead, she cut off her right hand and placed it in his Instead, she cut off her right hand and placed it in his

coffin. coffin.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager Yingtian (2)Empress Dowager Yingtian (2) The heir, Yelu Bei, had adopted too much Chinese The heir, Yelu Bei, had adopted too much Chinese

culture and the tribal leadership preferred the second culture and the tribal leadership preferred the second son, Yelu Deguang son, Yelu Deguang 耶律德光耶律德光 (902-47)(902-47)..

The Empress Dowager Yingtian also disapproved of The Empress Dowager Yingtian also disapproved of choice of Bei as successor and tried to set him aside in choice of Bei as successor and tried to set him aside in favor of Yelu Deguang who was more of a Qidan favor of Yelu Deguang who was more of a Qidan leader.leader. Bei, sensed the danger to himself and persuaded the Bei, sensed the danger to himself and persuaded the

Qidan court that he should be passed over in favor Qidan court that he should be passed over in favor of his younger brother. of his younger brother.

He approached his mother and formally withdrew He approached his mother and formally withdrew his claim and Deguang ascended to the throne as his claim and Deguang ascended to the throne as Liao Taizong (r.926-947).Liao Taizong (r.926-947).

The Empress Dowager acted as regent as she claimed The Empress Dowager acted as regent as she claimed that her son was too young. that her son was too young. She remained in firm control while the succession She remained in firm control while the succession

was settled; then continued to exercise great was settled; then continued to exercise great influence.influence.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager Yingtian (3)Empress Dowager Yingtian (3) After the death of Taizong, Bei’s eldest son, Yelu Yuan After the death of Taizong, Bei’s eldest son, Yelu Yuan

耶律阮 耶律阮 (r.947-951), declared himself emperor (Shizong) (r.947-951), declared himself emperor (Shizong) before his father’s coffin.before his father’s coffin. His uncle, Taizong, had loved him like a son and His uncle, Taizong, had loved him like a son and

Yuan had accompanied his uncle on his campaigns Yuan had accompanied his uncle on his campaigns against the Jin (Gold) and had taken part in the against the Jin (Gold) and had taken part in the occupation of Kaifeng against the Song.occupation of Kaifeng against the Song.

He was respected by the Qidan nobles as a brave He was respected by the Qidan nobles as a brave and capable commander. and capable commander.

His bid for the throne was opposed by his His bid for the throne was opposed by his grandmother who supported the claim of her third son.grandmother who supported the claim of her third son. Yingtian opposed him and sent her youngest son Yingtian opposed him and sent her youngest son

with an army to block Yuan’s return to the capital. with an army to block Yuan’s return to the capital. When her son’s army was defeated, the old lady led When her son’s army was defeated, the old lady led

her own army against her grandson but was her own army against her grandson but was defeated and exiled to another palace.defeated and exiled to another palace.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager ChengtianEmpress Dowager Chengtian

The 5The 5thth emperor, Jingzong, died in 982 leaving the throne to emperor, Jingzong, died in 982 leaving the throne to his 11 year-old son, Shenzong (r.982-1031).his 11 year-old son, Shenzong (r.982-1031).

His mother, Empress Dowager Chengtian became regent; His mother, Empress Dowager Chengtian became regent; she was only 37 and was in power until her death in 1009 she was only 37 and was in power until her death in 1009 (969-1009). (969-1009).

Chengtian had been influential in politics during Jingzong’s Chengtian had been influential in politics during Jingzong’s lifetime; now she was in control of the Liao empire.lifetime; now she was in control of the Liao empire.

The Empress Dowager underwent the ritual of “rebirth” The Empress Dowager underwent the ritual of “rebirth” which confirms the new emperor’s right to rule in the eyes which confirms the new emperor’s right to rule in the eyes of the Qidan aristocracy.of the Qidan aristocracy.

This practice was usually reserved for emperors but This practice was usually reserved for emperors but Chengtian went through it not once but three times—twice Chengtian went through it not once but three times—twice in 984 and again in 986.in 984 and again in 986.

This was an extraordinary step to ensure her power as This was an extraordinary step to ensure her power as regent. regent.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager Chengtian Empress Dowager Chengtian

(2)(2) The new emperor, Shenzong, was completely dominated The new emperor, Shenzong, was completely dominated

by his mother, who continued to browbeat him and by his mother, who continued to browbeat him and sometimes strike him in public even when he was a grown sometimes strike him in public even when he was a grown man. man. The Empress Dowager was an excellent civil The Empress Dowager was an excellent civil

administrator and won the deep loyalty of officials, both administrator and won the deep loyalty of officials, both Qidan and Chinese.Qidan and Chinese.

She was a military commander, with her own army with She was a military commander, with her own army with 10,000 cavalry.; she eas still commanding armies in the 10,000 cavalry.; she eas still commanding armies in the field against the Song when she was over 60 (1005).field against the Song when she was over 60 (1005).

The Liao-shi (History of the Liao) sums up her The Liao-shi (History of the Liao) sums up her achievement by saying,achievement by saying, ““Shenzong may be considered the most successful of Shenzong may be considered the most successful of

the Liao emperors, most of his successes must be the Liao emperors, most of his successes must be attributed to his mother’s instruction.” attributed to his mother’s instruction.”

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesEmpress Dowager Chengtian Empress Dowager Chengtian

(3)(3) When Shenzong was enthroned in 982, the Liao was When Shenzong was enthroned in 982, the Liao was

still on the brink of war with the Song.still on the brink of war with the Song. Liao attacked the Song repeatedly in 998, 1101, and Liao attacked the Song repeatedly in 998, 1101, and

1103.1103. In 1004 the Liao decided on a full-scale invasion In 1004 the Liao decided on a full-scale invasion

under the command of the ED Chengtian and the under the command of the ED Chengtian and the emperor.emperor.

They were very successful and came near the Song They were very successful and came near the Song capital of Kaifeng. capital of Kaifeng.

Negotiations began with the Empress Dowager’s Negotiations began with the Empress Dowager’s approval.approval.

The Treaty of Shanyuan was signed, with very The Treaty of Shanyuan was signed, with very favorable conditions for the Liao.favorable conditions for the Liao.

The treaty brought over 100 years of peace The treaty brought over 100 years of peace between Liao and Song.between Liao and Song.

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Powerful Warrior EmpressesPowerful Warrior EmpressesThe Empress Dowager RenyiThe Empress Dowager Renyi

Xingzong was succeeded by Daozong (r.1051-1101).Xingzong was succeeded by Daozong (r.1051-1101). In 1058, 51 years after the establishment of the Liao, In 1058, 51 years after the establishment of the Liao,

Daozong sinicized by placing the Qidan tribal justice under Daozong sinicized by placing the Qidan tribal justice under the Chinese-style local administration and the Qidan were the Chinese-style local administration and the Qidan were unhappy and plotted to kill Daozong and put his uncle on unhappy and plotted to kill Daozong and put his uncle on the throne.the throne.

The emperor and his mother, ED Renyi were ambushed when The emperor and his mother, ED Renyi were ambushed when they were on a hunting trip. they were on a hunting trip. The Empress Dowager took command of part of the guard The Empress Dowager took command of part of the guard

and fought off the attackers; all the rebels were executed.and fought off the attackers; all the rebels were executed. To pacify the traditional Qidans, Daozong was forced to To pacify the traditional Qidans, Daozong was forced to

undergo the “rebirth ceremony” to re-establish his legitimacy undergo the “rebirth ceremony” to re-establish his legitimacy as the leader (1067). as the leader (1067). In 1070, Daozong had the laws revised and redefined in In 1070, Daozong had the laws revised and redefined in

order to preserve the traditional differences between Qidan order to preserve the traditional differences between Qidan and Chinese customs.and Chinese customs.

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The End of the LiaoThe End of the Liao The Liao was more aggressive in dealing with the steppe and The Liao was more aggressive in dealing with the steppe and

with Manchuria; but the dynasty became arrogant and with Manchuria; but the dynasty became arrogant and unpopular until the tribes periodically rebelled and this unpopular until the tribes periodically rebelled and this weakened the Liao.weakened the Liao.

Until 1112, the Qidan state had appeared to remain secure as Until 1112, the Qidan state had appeared to remain secure as it had not involved the Liao in his neighbors’ quarrels. it had not involved the Liao in his neighbors’ quarrels. In late winter the imperial entourage, according to custom, In late winter the imperial entourage, according to custom,

went on its seasonal fishing expedition near Harbin.went on its seasonal fishing expedition near Harbin. The chieftains of the northeastern tribes, including the The chieftains of the northeastern tribes, including the

Jurchen from eastern Manchuria, came to pay homage to Jurchen from eastern Manchuria, came to pay homage to Emperor Tianzuo Emperor Tianzuo 天祚 天祚 (r.1101-1125) who ordered the (r.1101-1125) who ordered the chiefs to dance but the representative of the Jurchen, chiefs to dance but the representative of the Jurchen, Aguda, refused to do so – Tianzuo wanted to execute him Aguda, refused to do so – Tianzuo wanted to execute him but was persuaded against it.but was persuaded against it.

Meanwhile, Aguda, became strong and proclaimed himself Meanwhile, Aguda, became strong and proclaimed himself the emperor of a new Jin the emperor of a new Jin 金金 dynasty.dynasty.

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The End of the LiaoThe End of the Liao (2) (2) In 1115 there was a conspiracy to dethrone Tianzuo and In 1115 there was a conspiracy to dethrone Tianzuo and

install his uncle. install his uncle. When the frontier came under attack from the Jurchen When the frontier came under attack from the Jurchen

neither the tribal Qidan nor the imperial armies put up a neither the tribal Qidan nor the imperial armies put up a sustained defense.sustained defense.

In 1115, they lost most of Manchuria to the Jurchen.In 1115, they lost most of Manchuria to the Jurchen. In 1116, the eastern capital fell to the Jurchen.In 1116, the eastern capital fell to the Jurchen. By 1117, the Liao northeastern army dispersed without By 1117, the Liao northeastern army dispersed without

fighting.fighting. In early 1118, Tianzuo’s peace negotiations with the Jin were In early 1118, Tianzuo’s peace negotiations with the Jin were

unsuccessful as the Jurchen demands were very harsh. unsuccessful as the Jurchen demands were very harsh. The Liao Dynasty was conquered by the Jin in 1125 butYelu The Liao Dynasty was conquered by the Jin in 1125 butYelu

Dashi Dashi 耶律大石耶律大石 , escaped with 100,000 of his followers went , escaped with 100,000 of his followers went west and established the Western Liao (1125-1220); its capital west and established the Western Liao (1125-1220); its capital was in today’s Kyrgyzstan .was in today’s Kyrgyzstan . It survived until it was wiped out by Genghis Khan’s It survived until it was wiped out by Genghis Khan’s

Mongolian army.Mongolian army. Map of Asia and Europe circa 1200 C.E. Map of Asia and Europe circa 1200 C.E.

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The Jurchen and the Jin The Jurchen and the Jin DynastyDynasty

The JurchenThe Jurchen The Establishment of the Jin (Gold) DynastyThe Establishment of the Jin (Gold) Dynasty The Jin dynasty: GovernanceThe Jin dynasty: Governance The Jin dynasty: Succession ProblemsThe Jin dynasty: Succession Problems The Jin and the SongThe Jin and the Song The End of the JinThe End of the Jin

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The JurchenThe Jurchen The Jurchen The Jurchen 女真 女真 lived in the territory to the north of lived in the territory to the north of

the Liao (Qidan); tthe Liao (Qidan); the Chinese knew of the Jurchen he Chinese knew of the Jurchen during the Tang.during the Tang. Those living in the forests hunted and fished while Those living in the forests hunted and fished while

those living in the plains raised cattle and made their those living in the plains raised cattle and made their living through agriculture. living through agriculture.

Wanyan Aguda Wanyan Aguda 完颜阿骨打完颜阿骨打 (r.1115-1123) the chief of the (r.1115-1123) the chief of the Wanyan tribe founded the Jurchen Jin (Gold) dynasty.Wanyan tribe founded the Jurchen Jin (Gold) dynasty.

Wanyan Aguda’s father had fought to dominate the Wanyan Aguda’s father had fought to dominate the entire territory of eastern Manchuria.entire territory of eastern Manchuria. Aguda’s elder brother (r.1103-13) succeeded the Aguda’s elder brother (r.1103-13) succeeded the

father and stabilized the Jurchen border with Korea.father and stabilized the Jurchen border with Korea. After his brother’s death, Aguda was named leader of After his brother’s death, Aguda was named leader of

the Jurchen by the tribal leaders in 1113, and the Liao the Jurchen by the tribal leaders in 1113, and the Liao recognized him as the military governor of the Jurchen recognized him as the military governor of the Jurchen lands.lands.

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The Establishment of the The Establishment of the Jin (Gold) DynastyJin (Gold) Dynasty

The Jin (Gold The Jin (Gold 金金 ) Dynasty (1115-1234), also known as ) Dynasty (1115-1234), also known as the Jurchan dynasty, was founded by the Wanyan the Jurchan dynasty, was founded by the Wanyan 完顏 完顏 clan of the Jurchan, the ancestors of the Manchus who clan of the Jurchan, the ancestors of the Manchus who established the Qing Dynasty some 500 years later.established the Qing Dynasty some 500 years later. The Dynasty was founded in 1115 in northern The Dynasty was founded in 1115 in northern

Manchuria and conquered the Liao Dynasty in 1125. Manchuria and conquered the Liao Dynasty in 1125. After taking over North China, the Jin Dynasty After taking over North China, the Jin Dynasty

moved its capital from northern Manchuria (south moved its capital from northern Manchuria (south of present-day Harbin) to Zhongdu (present day of present-day Harbin) to Zhongdu (present day Beijing).Beijing).

Sinified Qidan officials modified the Liao Sinified Qidan officials modified the Liao administrative structure to fit the needs of the administrative structure to fit the needs of the JurchenJurchen..

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The Establishment of the The Establishment of the Jin (Gold) Dynasty (2)Jin (Gold) Dynasty (2)

The Jurchen and other groups rebelled against harsh Liao The Jurchen and other groups rebelled against harsh Liao rule:rule: They complained of abusive officials and the heavy tribute.They complained of abusive officials and the heavy tribute. Aguda refused an order to dance given by the Liao Aguda refused an order to dance given by the Liao

emperor.emperor. Aguda then united all Jurchen under Wanyan leadership and Aguda then united all Jurchen under Wanyan leadership and

attacked the Liao border positions.attacked the Liao border positions. In 1114, Aguda began open rebellion against the Liao.In 1114, Aguda began open rebellion against the Liao. In 1115, he assumed the title of emperor and adopted the In 1115, he assumed the title of emperor and adopted the

dynastic name of Jin (Gold) taken from the name of a river. dynastic name of Jin (Gold) taken from the name of a river. After Aguda proclaimed himself the emperor of a new Jin After Aguda proclaimed himself the emperor of a new Jin 金金

dynasty, the Liao tried to appease them as well as fight him. dynasty, the Liao tried to appease them as well as fight him. When the Liao grew weak, the Song sent an envoy to Aguda When the Liao grew weak, the Song sent an envoy to Aguda

(1117) to negotiate a Song-Jin alliance against the Liao.(1117) to negotiate a Song-Jin alliance against the Liao.

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The Establishment of the The Establishment of the Jin (Gold) Dynasty (3) Jin (Gold) Dynasty (3)

The following year, the Jin demanded that the Liao The following year, the Jin demanded that the Liao emperor recognize him as an elder brother, and cede emperor recognize him as an elder brother, and cede him Liao territory; he also demanded a prince, a him Liao territory; he also demanded a prince, a princess and an imperial son-in-law as hostages. princess and an imperial son-in-law as hostages. The negotiations dragged on and by 1119 Aguda The negotiations dragged on and by 1119 Aguda

sensed the possibility of total victory.sensed the possibility of total victory. Aguda attacked the Supreme Capital – the Liao Aguda attacked the Supreme Capital – the Liao

religious and ritual center and looted and destroyed religious and ritual center and looted and destroyed the buildings at the imperial tombs and other the buildings at the imperial tombs and other important religious sites. important religious sites. When Aguda attacked the Western Capital the Song When Aguda attacked the Western Capital the Song

became alarmed as they had not yet attacked Liao as became alarmed as they had not yet attacked Liao as promised so they invaded the was defeated by the promised so they invaded the was defeated by the Liao and Aguda realized that the Song was weak.Liao and Aguda realized that the Song was weak.

Then Aguda took the Western Capital.Then Aguda took the Western Capital. In 1123, the Liao Central Capital (in Manchuria) fell In 1123, the Liao Central Capital (in Manchuria) fell

and the entire imperial family was captured.and the entire imperial family was captured.

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The Jin (Gold) Dynasty: The Jin (Gold) Dynasty: GovernanceGovernance

The Jin dynasty adopted Chinese philosophy and The Jin dynasty adopted Chinese philosophy and administrative practices and had a dynasty more Chinese administrative practices and had a dynasty more Chinese in style than the Liao.in style than the Liao.

The reasons are due to the fact that:The reasons are due to the fact that: The number of Chinese outnumbered the Jurchen 10:1 The number of Chinese outnumbered the Jurchen 10:1

while the ratio of Chinese to Qidan was 3:1.while the ratio of Chinese to Qidan was 3:1. The Jin used Chinese advisors and institutions on a larger The Jin used Chinese advisors and institutions on a larger

scale as the Chinese territory was the bulk of their scale as the Chinese territory was the bulk of their empire.empire.

Centralization was accomplished by increasing emphasis Centralization was accomplished by increasing emphasis on Chinese culture.on Chinese culture. The Jurchen’s traditional values, customs, and even The Jurchen’s traditional values, customs, and even

language were lost at a rapid rate.language were lost at a rapid rate.

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The Jin (Gold) Dynasty: The Jin (Gold) Dynasty: Governance (2)Governance (2)

The Manchurian homeland soon became their The Manchurian homeland soon became their borderland and most of the Jurchen were settled into borderland and most of the Jurchen were settled into China.China.

When the tribal supporters were alienated, the 5th When the tribal supporters were alienated, the 5th emperor (1161-1189) tried to reverse the policies by:emperor (1161-1189) tried to reverse the policies by: Promoting hunting;Promoting hunting; Encouraging the use of the Jurchen language;Encouraging the use of the Jurchen language; Increasing the number of Jurchen appointments to Increasing the number of Jurchen appointments to

the government;the government; Redistributing land to Jurchen commoners.Redistributing land to Jurchen commoners.

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Succession ProblemsSuccession Problems Towards the end of the dynasty, the Jin court had Towards the end of the dynasty, the Jin court had

succession problems. succession problems. It had been the custom to have brothers succeed It had been the custom to have brothers succeed

each other before passing it on to the next each other before passing it on to the next generation. generation.

When Zhangzong When Zhangzong 章宗 章宗 (1190-1208) died, a court (1190-1208) died, a court group enthroned another prince, the 7group enthroned another prince, the 7thth son of the son of the previous emperor – Wei Shao Wang previous emperor – Wei Shao Wang 衛紹王 衛紹王 (r.1209-1213), born of a concubine. (r.1209-1213), born of a concubine.

Wei Shao Wang was killed in a conspiracy and the Wei Shao Wang was killed in a conspiracy and the elder brother of Zhangzong (1163-1223), later elder brother of Zhangzong (1163-1223), later known as Xuanzong (r.1214-23), became emperor.known as Xuanzong (r.1214-23), became emperor.

Succession was thus returned to the fraternal system.Succession was thus returned to the fraternal system.

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The Jin and the SongThe Jin and the Song In 1125, the Jin waged a full scale war against the In 1125, the Jin waged a full scale war against the

Song. Song. In early 1126 they crossed the Yellow River and laid In early 1126 they crossed the Yellow River and laid

siege to the Song capital of Kaifeng. siege to the Song capital of Kaifeng. The terms for the withdrawal of the Jin were:The terms for the withdrawal of the Jin were:

Three prefectures ceded to the Jin and the Three prefectures ceded to the Jin and the annual payments of 300,000 taels of silver, annual payments of 300,000 taels of silver, 300,000 bolts of silk and 1 million strings of 300,000 bolts of silk and 1 million strings of coin. coin.

A Song imperial prince, Prince Kang, later A Song imperial prince, Prince Kang, later known as Song Gaozong known as Song Gaozong (1107-1187: aged 80)(1107-1187: aged 80), , was sent as hostage together with Zhang was sent as hostage together with Zhang Bangchang Bangchang 张邦昌张邦昌 , a high ranking official who , a high ranking official who had been in favor of appeasing the Jin. had been in favor of appeasing the Jin.

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The Jin and the Song (2)The Jin and the Song (2) After the siege was lifted, Song Huizong (r.1100-26) retired After the siege was lifted, Song Huizong (r.1100-26) retired

and his son, Qinzong (r.1126-7) became emperor.and his son, Qinzong (r.1126-7) became emperor. The Jin then complained that the Song was breaking the The Jin then complained that the Song was breaking the

peace agreement by supporting former Liao generals to peace agreement by supporting former Liao generals to attack the Jin. attack the Jin. Jin armies crossed the Yellow River and the victorious Jin armies crossed the Yellow River and the victorious

army entered Kaifeng after heavy fighting. army entered Kaifeng after heavy fighting. Song surrendered and Emperors Qinzong and Huizong Song surrendered and Emperors Qinzong and Huizong

were degraded as commoners, taken north and forced to were degraded as commoners, taken north and forced to wear mourning clothes to pay respect to the spirit of Aguda wear mourning clothes to pay respect to the spirit of Aguda in his mausoleum.in his mausoleum. The entire Song court and imperial family members The entire Song court and imperial family members

were made prisoners.were made prisoners. Six Song princesses were given as wives to members of Six Song princesses were given as wives to members of

the imperial Wanyan clan of Jin.the imperial Wanyan clan of Jin. Although the Jurchen had captured the Song capital of Although the Jurchen had captured the Song capital of

Kaifeng, they were unable to drive the Song out of south Kaifeng, they were unable to drive the Song out of south China.China.

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The End of the JinThe End of the Jin The Jurchen often dealt with the tribes in the north by The Jurchen often dealt with the tribes in the north by

giving them gifts and inviting their leaders to visit.giving them gifts and inviting their leaders to visit. When these positive policies failed, they would use When these positive policies failed, they would use

force.force. When the Mongols attacked, the Jin at first refused to When the Mongols attacked, the Jin at first refused to

agree to a peace agreement that would force them to agree to a peace agreement that would force them to pay subsidies to the Mongols.pay subsidies to the Mongols. Instead, it battled the Mongols for a quarter of the Instead, it battled the Mongols for a quarter of the

century.century. The Jin had strengthened their northwestern border with The Jin had strengthened their northwestern border with

troops of Qidan and Xi Xia descent rather than with their troops of Qidan and Xi Xia descent rather than with their own troops.own troops. In 1211, the Mongols overran these borders and the In 1211, the Mongols overran these borders and the

Jin asked the Mongols for peace and offered in Jin asked the Mongols for peace and offered in marriage, a daughter of Wei Shao Wang, to Genghis marriage, a daughter of Wei Shao Wang, to Genghis khan.khan.

The Mongols then withdrew from the Central Capital. The Mongols then withdrew from the Central Capital.

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The End of Jin (2)The End of Jin (2) After the Mongol withdrawal, Xuanzong decided it would After the Mongol withdrawal, Xuanzong decided it would

be safer to move his court to the Southern Capital at be safer to move his court to the Southern Capital at Kaifeng which was protected in the north by the Yellow Kaifeng which was protected in the north by the Yellow River. River.

The Mongols took this as a preparation of war and The Mongols took this as a preparation of war and marched against against the Jin which surrendered in marched against against the Jin which surrendered in 1215.1215.

The dynasty was conquered by the Mongols in 1234.The dynasty was conquered by the Mongols in 1234. After the Jin was defeated by the Mongols, the Jurchen After the Jin was defeated by the Mongols, the Jurchen

returned to Manchuria.returned to Manchuria. The Ming dynasty later found allies among the various The Ming dynasty later found allies among the various

Jurchen tribes against the Mongols. Jurchen tribes against the Mongols. Years later, Nurhaci, a chief of a Jurchen tribe united Years later, Nurhaci, a chief of a Jurchen tribe united

the tribes, defeated the Ming and formed the Qing the tribes, defeated the Ming and formed the Qing dynasty.dynasty.

The first emperor of the Qing renamed the Jurchen as The first emperor of the Qing renamed the Jurchen as “Manchu”. “Manchu”.

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Next ReadingNext Reading

Mongols and the Yuan:Mongols and the Yuan: Barfield, Thomas, Barfield, Thomas, The Perilous Frontier,The Perilous Frontier,””, Ch. 6, , Ch. 6,

"The Mongol Empire"The Mongol Empire““, pp 164-222; OR, pp 164-222; OR Sinor, Denis, Sinor, Denis, Inner Asia, a Syllabus,Inner Asia, a Syllabus, Ch 20-24 Ch 20-24 ““Observations on Marriage and Inheritance Observations on Marriage and Inheritance

Practices in Early Mongol and Yuan Society with Practices in Early Mongol and Yuan Society with particular reference to the Levirateparticular reference to the Levirate”” in Holmgren, in Holmgren, Jennifer, Jennifer, Marriage, Kinship and Power in Northern Marriage, Kinship and Power in Northern ChinaChina, Part III, pp 127-192., Part III, pp 127-192.