Overview
This lecture traces the fate of the Xiongnu Empire after their conflicts with the Han Dynasty, exploring their westward migration and possible transformation into the Huns who later confronted the Roman Empire.
Origins and Rise of the Xiongnu
- The Xiongnu were a nomadic confederacy on the northern borders of ancient China.
- Qin Shi Huang expelled the Xiongnu north after unifying China in 221 BCE.
- Under Modu Chanyu, the Xiongnu defeated rival tribes and expanded their power.
Han-Xiongnu Relations and Conflicts
- The Han Dynasty, after a weak start, became subject to the Xiongnu under the Heqing Treaty (tribute & marriage alliances).
- The Xiongnu empire was a loose confederacy with various tribes that often fought internally.
- Han Wudi ended the treaty and successfully campaigned against the Xiongnu, weakening them.
- Succession crises frequently destabilized the Xiongnu.
Xiongnu Civil War and Schism
- A succession dispute split the Xiongnu into Northern and Southern factions.
- The Southern Xiongnu allied with Han China and other tribes to defeat the Northern Xiongnu.
- The Battle of the Altai Mountains marked the collapse of the Northern Xiongnu's political power.
Fate of the Southern Xiongnu
- Southern Xiongnu were settled along China's northern borders and gradually integrated.
- During the collapse of the Han, Xiongnu served as mercenaries for various Chinese factions.
- In the Sixteen Kingdoms Period, Xiongnu leaders established short-lived states, such as Han Zhao.
- Eventually, the Southern Xiongnu were assimilated by the Northern Wei Dynasty led by the Xianbei.
Fate of the Northern Xiongnu and Migration Westward
- The ultimate fate of the Northern Xiongnu is uncertain, but evidence suggests westward migration.
- Archaeological and linguistic evidence links the Xiongnu (possibly pronounced "Hunnu") to later Hunnic groups.
- Northern Xiongnu remnants likely became part of Iranian Huns (in Central Asia) and European Huns.
- European Huns swept west, displacing Goths and Alans, and eventually challenged the Roman Empire.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Xiongnu — A confederacy of nomadic tribes from north of ancient China.
- Heqing Treaty — A peace treaty mandating tribute and marriage alliances between Han and Xiongnu.
- Han Wudi — Seventh emperor of Han who campaigned against and weakened the Xiongnu.
- Sixteen Kingdoms Period — Time of fragmentation and short-lived kingdoms in northern China.
- Huns — Nomadic warriors who migrated into Europe, possibly descended from Xiongnu.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the Sui Dynasty as background for the upcoming Tang Dynasty series.