The Liao dynasty 916 to 1125 CE / The Jurchen Jin (1115-1234):

 

The Liao dynasty was a Khitan-led imperial dynasty of China that existed from 916 to 1125 CE. It is also known as the Khitan State or the Great Liao. The Liao dynasty was significant for being the first foreign dynasty to successfully combine its traditional governance with Chinese administrative structures. 

Key Aspects of the Liao Dynasty:

Khitan Origins:

The Liao dynasty was founded by the Khitan people, a nomadic group from northeastern Asia. 

Dual Governance System:

The Liao rulers established a unique system that blended Khitan tribal traditions with Han Chinese administrative practices. 

Territorial Expansion:

The Liao dynasty expanded its territory to include parts of what is now northern China, northeastern China, and Mongolia. 

Capital Cities:

The Liao dynasty established five capital cities, with the first being Liao Shang Jing, modeled after the Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an. 

Cultural Blending:

The Liao dynasty saw a blending of Khitan and Han Chinese cultures, including in clothing styles and administrative practices. 

Fall of the Dynasty:

The Liao dynasty eventually fell to the Jurchen Jin dynasty in 1125 CE. 

Legacy:

The Liao dynasty is remembered for its significant role in shaping the political landscape of East Asia and for promoting cultural exchange between different groups. 

The Jin dynasty (金朝, Jīn Cháo), also known as the Jurchen Jin or the Jurchen dynasty, was a Jurchen-led imperial dynasty of China that existed between 1115 and 1234. It ruled over northern China and Manchuria, formed after the Jurchens overthrew the Liao dynasty and later the Northern Song dynasty

The Jurchen Jin (1115-1234):

Founding:

The Jurchens, a Tungusic people from Manchuria, established the Jin dynasty after rising against the Liao dynasty. 

Conquest:

They conquered much of northern China, including parts of the Song dynasty's territory, pushing the Song south of the Huai River. 

Dual Administration:

Like the Liao, the Jin established a dual administration, with a Chinese-style bureaucracy in the south and a tribal system to manage the nomadic tribes in the north. 

Capital:

Their capitals included Huining (present-day Heilongjiang), Yanjing (modern Beijing), and Bianjing (Kaifeng). 

Conquered by the Mongols:

The Jin dynasty was eventually conquered by the Mongol Empire in 1234. 

This video provides an overview of the Jin dynasty's history, including its founding and relationship with the Song dynasty:

The Sima Jin (266-420):

Founded by Sima Yan:

The Jin dynasty was founded by Sima Yan, who usurped power from the Wei dynasty. 

Two Phases:

It is divided into the Western Jin (265-316/317) and the Eastern Jin (317-420). 

Reunification and Fragmentation:

The Western Jin initially reunified China but then fragmented due to internal conflict and invasions by nomadic groups (Xiongnu). 

Eastern Jin:

The Eastern Jin, established in the south, faced rebellions and court intrigues but also saw the flourishing of Buddhism and notable art. 

In short, there were two distinct Jin dynasties in Chinese history: the Jurchen Jin (1115-1234) and the Sima Jin (266-420). The Jurchen Jin was a Jurchen-led dynasty that ruled northern China, while the Sima Jin was a dynasty established by the Sima family after the Three Kingdoms period