The Khitan Liao Dynasty was a significant Chinese ruling dynasty that was often overshadowed by the more prominent Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the Khitan Liao Dynasty, including its timeline, emperors, accomplishments, and comparison with other Chinese dynasties.
What is the Khitan Liao Dynasty all about?
From 907 to 1125, the nomadic Khitan Liao Dynasty ruled over northern China and parts of Mongolia. Yelu Abaoji, a Khitan tribal leader who united several Khitan tribes to form the Liao state in the late 9th century, founded the dynasty. The Khitan people originated in Manchuria and were well-known for their horseback riding and archery abilities.
The Liao Dynasty, led by Emperor Taizong, expanded its territory to include parts of modern-day North Korea and the Western Xia Dynasty. The dynasty went through several stages of prosperity and decline, and in its later years, it faced increasing pressure from the Jin Dynasty. The Jin Dynasty, a Jurchen tribe from modern-day Manchuria, eventually defeated the Liao Empire in 1125.
Emperor Taizong, who expanded the Liao Empire’s territory to its greatest extent, and Emperor Shengzong, who strengthened the dynasty’s administration and military, were two notable emperors of the Liao Dynasty. The clothing of the Liao Dynasty was distinct from that of other Chinese dynasties, with bright colours, intricate patterns, and elaborate embroidery.
The Khitan Liao Dynasty was important in Chinese history, but it was frequently overshadowed by the more prominent Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties. Nonetheless, the Liao Dynasty was critical in the formation of the Northern Song Dynasty, and its influence can still be seen today in China.
Timeline of the Liao Dynasty
From 907 to 1125, the Khitan Liao Dynasty ruled over northern China and parts of Mongolia for more than two centuries. During this time, the dynasty went through several stages of expansion and contraction, and its timeline can be divided into several significant periods.
Early Childhood (907-926):
Yelu Abaoji founded the Liao Dynasty in 907, uniting several Khitan tribes to form the Liao state. He declared himself Emperor and made Shangjing his capital (present-day Baarin Left Banner, Inner Mongolia). The Liao Empire was confined to northern China and Inner Mongolia during this time period.
The Period of Expansion (926-947):
The Liao Empire began to expand its territory under Emperor Taizong’s leadership. Emperor Taizong successfully launched several military campaigns and annexed parts of modern-day North Korea. He also established diplomatic relations with the Tangut Western Xia Dynasty, allowing the Liao Empire to control Silk Road trade routes.
The Golden Period (947-983):
The Liao Empire reached its pinnacle of prosperity during this time period. Emperors Jingzong and Shengzong, who ruled during this time, were known for their military and administrative prowess. They improved the economy, military, and cultural institutions of the dynasty. The Liao Empire also kept peace with its neighbours, including the Song Dynasty.
The Period of Decline and Conquest (983-1125):
Internal conflicts, corruption, and external pressures characterised the final years of the Liao Dynasty. The rising Jin Dynasty, a Jurchen tribe that had been a vassal state of the Liao Empire, put increasing pressure on the dynasty. The Jin Dynasty gradually grew in strength and independence, and in 1125, they successfully invaded the Liao Empire. Shangjing, the Liao capital, was captured, and Liao Emperor Tianzuo was captured and died in captivity. The Liao Dynasty had come to an end.
How Long Was the Liao Dynasty?
When did the Khitan Liao Dynasty end?From 907 to 1125, the Khitan Liao Dynasty ruled for more than two centuries. The Liao Empire went through several stages of expansion and contraction during this time. Yelu Abaoji founded the dynasty by uniting several Khitan tribes to form the Liao state. The Liao Empire expanded its territory under Emperor Taizong to include parts of modern-day North Korea and the Western Xia Dynasty. The golden age of the Liao Dynasty was marked by prosperity and cultural development, while its later years were marked by decline and, eventually, conquest by the Jin Dynasty in 1125, which brought the Liao Dynasty to an end.
How Did the Liao Dynasty Come to an End?
The Liao Dynasty was defeated in 1125 by the Jin Dynasty, a Jurchen tribe that had been a vassal state of the Liao Empire. Internal conflicts, corruption, and external pressures had weakened the Liao Empire, making it vulnerable to external attacks.
The Jin Dynasty gradually gained strength and independence from the Liao Empire, declaring independence in 1115. The Jin Dynasty saw the Liao Empire as a security threat and began attacking Liao’s northern border.
The Jin Dynasty, led by Emperor Taizu, launched a large-scale invasion of the Liao Empire in 1122. The Liao Empire was unable to withstand the Jin Dynasty’s military might, and the Jin Dynasty captured the Liao capital, Shangjing, in 1125, after several years of fighting. The Liao Emperor Tianzuo was captured and died in captivity, bringing the Liao Dynasty to an end.
The fall of the Liao Dynasty had far-reaching consequences for the region, as it resulted in the formation of the Jin Dynasty and, eventually, the rise of the Mongol Empire. The Jin Dynasty rose to prominence in northern China and held off the Mongol invasion for several decades. The Jin Dynasty, however, was eventually overthrown by the Mongols, who established the Yuan Dynasty and unified all of China under their rule.
The Emperors of the Liao Dynasty
Throughout its two-century history, the Liao Dynasty, founded by Yelu Abaoji in 907, had 16 emperors. The following are some of the most notable Liao Dynasty emperors.
Taizong the Great (927-947):
Emperor Taizong was the Liao Dynasty’s second emperor and is widely regarded as one of the greatest emperors in Liao history. He expanded the territory and power of the Liao Empire through a series of successful military campaigns, including the annexation of parts of modern-day North Korea.
Jingzong (969-982): Emperor of China.
Emperor Jingzong was a successful Liao Dynasty emperor who is credited with ushering in a golden age of prosperity and cultural development. The Liao Empire maintained peaceful relations with its neighbours, including the Song Dynasty, during his reign. He also instituted merit-based civil service examinations, which aided the dynasty’s administrative efficiency.
Shengzong (982-1031) Emperor:
Emperor Shengzong was Emperor Jingzong’s son, and he carried on his father’s legacy of encouraging cultural development and administrative reforms. He was well-known for his military prowess and strategic thinking, and he successfully repelled several Song Dynasty invasions. He also built a network of roads and canals to help with trade and communication within the empire.
Daozong, Emperor of China (1055–1101):
Emperor Daozong was one of the Liao Dynasty’s most divisive rulers. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle and was chastised for ignoring his administrative responsibilities. His reign was marked by corruption and internal conflict, which weakened the Liao Empire and exposed it to external attack.
Tianzuo, Emperor (1101-1125):
Emperor Tianzuo was the last emperor of the Liao Dynasty, and his reign saw the dynasty decline and the Jin Dynasty rise. During the Jin Dynasty’s invasion of the Liao Empire, he was captured and died in captivity.
In summary, the Liao Dynasty had 16 emperors throughout its history, each of whom played an important role in shaping the fortunes of the dynasty. Emperor Taizong, who expanded the empire’s territory; Emperor Jingzong, who ushered in a golden age of prosperity and cultural development; and Emperor Shengzong, who was known for his military prowess and strategic thinking, are among the most notable emperors. However, the dynasty’s decline in its later years was characterised by corruption and internal conflict, which eventually led to its demise.
Clothing from the Liao Dynasty
The clothing of the Liao Dynasty was distinct from that of other Chinese dynasties. The Khitan people had their own traditional clothing styles, which were frequently incorporated into the Liao emperors’ and nobles’ clothing. The clothing of the Liao Dynasty was distinguished by bright colours, intricate patterns, and elaborate embroidery. Fur, silk, and other luxurious materials were also used in the clothing.
who discovered the Liao dynasty
Yelu Abaoji, also known as Emperor Taizu, founded the Liao Dynasty in 907. He united several Khitan tribes to form the Liao state. Yelu Abaoji was a military leader who was able to bring stability and unity to the Khitan people, who had previously been divided and at war with one another. Through a series of successful military campaigns, he established a centralised government and expanded the Liao Empire’s territory. Yelu Abaoji was succeeded by his brother Yelu Deguang, who carried on his brother’s expansion and consolidation policies. Yelu Abaoji and Yelu Deguang are credited with laying the groundwork for the early success of the Liao Dynasty.
Achievements of the Liao dynasty
During its two-century history, the Liao Dynasty was a major power in East Asia, achieving numerous significant cultural, economic, and military achievements. Some of the most notable achievements of the Liao Dynasty are discussed below.
Cultural Accomplishments:
The Liao Dynasty is well-known for its distinct culture, which was a synthesis of Khitan and Chinese traditions. The Khitan people had a rich cultural heritage, and when they established the Liao Dynasty, they brought many of their customs and traditions with them. Khitan and Chinese economic achievements influenced the Liao Dynasty’s art, literature, music, and dance.
They contributed significantly to the development of East Asian culture.
The Liao Dynasty was a major trading and commercial centre that facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas between China, Central Asia, and the West. The Liao Empire was an important centre of international trade due to its location on the Silk Road, a major trading route connecting China and Europe. The economy of the Liao Dynasty was based on agriculture, manufacturing, and trade, and it was capable of producing a wide range of goods such as silk, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles.
Military Accomplishments:
The Liao Dynasty was a formidable military power that defeated several of its adversaries in battle. The army of the Liao Empire was well-trained and well-equipped, and it was capable of absorbing new military technologies and tactics from other cultures. The military might of the Liao Dynasty allowed it to expand its territory and maintain its dominance over the region for several centuries.
Administrative Accomplishments:
The Liao Dynasty was known for having an efficient and effective administrative system based on centralised bureaucracy. The government of the dynasty was divided into three levels: central, provincial, and local. The central government was in charge of running the empire, while the provincial and local governments were in charge of carrying out central policies and managing local affairs. The Liao Dynasty also instituted a system of merit-based civil service examinations, which aided the dynasty’s administrative efficiency.
Technological Advances:
The Liao Dynasty was an innovative period in Chinese history, with significant technological advances in many areas. The Liao Empire contributed significantly to agriculture, metallurgy, and architecture. The Khitan were skilled metallurgists who could produce high-quality iron and steel. The Liao Dynasty also made significant architectural advances, and it is known for its distinct building style, which combined Khitan and Chinese traditions.
Diplomatic Accomplishments:
The Liao Dynasty established peaceful relations with its neighbours, including the Song Dynasty, allowing for cultural exchange and trade. Diplomacy under the Liao Dynasty aided in the promotion of regional stability and prosperity, as well as the spread of culture and ideas between East and Central Asia.
Song Dynasty vs. Liao Dynasty
The Liao and Song dynasties were two of East Asia’s most powerful empires in the 10th and 11th centuries, and their interactions had a significant impact on the region’s history. The following are some of the main differences between the Liao and Song dynasties.
Ethnicity:
The Khitan people, a nomadic tribe living in northern China and Mongolia, established the Liao Dynasty. The Song Dynasty, on the other hand, was established by the Han Chinese, China’s dominant ethnic group at the time.
Political Structure:
The Liao Dynasty had a centralised political system, with the emperor and his court wielding enormous power. In contrast, the Song Dynasty had a more decentralised political system, with power shared between the central government and local officials.
Economy:
The Liao Dynasty was primarily an agricultural society that placed a high value on trade and commerce. In contrast, the Song Dynasty was a more urbanised society that placed a strong emphasis on manufacturing and commerce.
Military:
The military of the Liao Dynasty was strong, with a well-trained and well-equipped army. The Song Dynasty, on the other hand, had a weaker military that relied heavily on naval power and the use of gunpowder weapons.
Exchange of Cultures:
The Liao Dynasty had a large impact on Chinese culture, especially in the fields of art, music, and dance. In contrast, the Song Dynasty had a significant impact on Chinese literature, poetry, and philosophy.
Relations:
The Liao and Song dynasties were frequently at odds, and they engaged in several military conflicts throughout their histories. They did, however, have periods of peaceful coexistence and engaged in cultural exchange and trade.
The Khitan people
The Khitan tribe was a nomadic tribe that originated in northern China and Mongolia. They were known for their military prowess and adaptability, which enabled them to establish several powerful empires throughout their history.
The Khitan tribe was originally a part of the Xianbei tribe, but they eventually split off and formed their own group. They were a confederation of various tribes, each with their own language and culture, and they were adept at horseback riding and archery.
The Khitan people established the Liao Dynasty in the early 10th century, which grew to become one of East Asia’s most powerful empires at the time. The Liao Dynasty lasted over two centuries and had a significant impact on the history of the region.
The Khitan people were also known for creating the Khitan script, a writing system. This script was used to write the now-extinct Khitan language. The Khitan script was distinguished by the fact that it was written vertically, from top to bottom, and from right to left.
The Khitan people were also skilled in metalworking, creating intricate pieces of art such as bronze mirrors, gold and silver jewellery, and iron swords. They also had a distinct clothing style, which included long robes with wide sleeves and a distinct collar.
The Khitan people were masters of adaptation, and they were able to establish several powerful empires throughout their history. They also established the Northern Liao Dynasty, which ruled over parts of northern China and Mongolia, and the Western Liao Dynasty, which ruled over parts of Central Asia, in addition to the Liao Dynasty.
Despite their military prowess, the Khitan had a rich cultural heritage. Known for their music, dance, and poetry, they had a significant impact on Chinese culture during the Liao Dynasty. They also had a complex religious system that combined shamanism, animism, and Buddhism.
The Khitan people have been assimilated into Chinese and Mongolian society, and their language and culture are largely extinct. Their legacy, however, lives on through their art, writing system, and impact on East Asian history. The Khitan people were a distinct and powerful people, and their contributions to the history of the region should not be overlooked.
Was Liao part of a Chinese dynasty?
From 907 to 1125 AD, the Liao Dynasty was a powerful empire that ruled over parts of modern-day China, Mongolia, and Russia. The Khitan people, a nomadic tribe from northern China and Mongolia, founded the dynasty, which is widely regarded as a non-Chinese dynasty.
The Khitan people had their own distinct language, culture, and customs, which is one of the main reasons why the Liao Dynasty is not considered a Chinese dynasty. They were not ethnically Chinese, and their traditions differed greatly from those of the Han Chinese, who occupied much of China at the time.
Despite their differences, the Liao Dynasty had an impact on Chinese culture. The Khitan people adopted many Chinese customs and practises during the Liao Dynasty, as well as the Chinese writing system. They also had significant trade and diplomatic relations with China, and they helped shape the region’s political landscape.
The Liao Dynasty was also known for its military prowess, with armies comprised of both Khitan and Chinese troops. The Khitan people were skilled horseback riders and archers, and they used military tactics and strategies to defeat many of their enemies.
Despite their success, the Liao Dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Jin Dynasty, a non-Chinese dynasty founded by the Jurchen people. Through a combination of military force and diplomacy, the Jin Dynasty defeated the Liao Dynasty, and the Khitan people were eventually assimilated into Chinese and Mongolian society.
The Liao Dynasty is remembered today for its distinct culture and impact on East Asian history. While it is not a traditional Chinese dynasty, it played an important role in the region’s political and cultural landscape, and its legacy lives on through art, writing, and contributions to the region’s history.
Western Liao dynasty/Qara Khitai
The West Liao Dynasty, also known as the Qara Khitai or Halaqin, was a political regime established by the Yelü clan, a royal family of the Liao Dynasty, in the western region. In the fourth year of Baoding (1124), the Liao Dynasty was on the brink of collapse. Yelü Dashi, a member of the clan, led his followers to flee northwest and was eventually forced out of the Khwarazm region. He then moved further west to the Yemilige region within the Tang Protectorate of Beiting, where he established a new city and recruited more followers. He subsequently achieved a major victory over a coalition army of western countries at Xin Si Gan (present-day Samarkand).
In the ninth year of the Jin Dynasty’s Tianhui era (1131), Yelü Dashi declared himself emperor in Qara Khitai, using the name “Jurchen Jin” and adopting the era name Yanqing. In the third year of Yanqing (1133), he returned to the east and established his capital at Huo Si Wo Er Duo (present-day Tokmak in the Chu River Basin of Kyrgyzstan), with his territory extending from the southwest to the Amu River, from the northwest to Lake Balkhash, and from the east to the present-day Xinjiang region.
After the rise of the Mongols, Qara Khitai was defeated and its prince Kuchlug fled to the west, where he seized the throne of the last emperor of West Liao, Zhilugu. However, Kuchlug still recognized Jurchen Jin as the former emperor, and ultimately perished at the hands of the Mongols. The West Liao Dynasty had a total of five emperors and lasted for 87 years. Another Qara Khitai, established by remnants of the West Liao, appeared in Iran in 1211 and lasted until 1309.
