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Rise of the Khitan Tribes

Type Event Region Northeast China Time 600–700

In the early 7th century, Khitan tribes between Liaoxi and Songmo gradually merged into a larger tribal alliance, contending with Tang, Turkic, and G…

Timeline

  1. 600–630Liaoxi · Northeast ChinaAt the end of the Sui and start of the Tang, the eight Dala tribes of the Khitan formed an alliance around Songshan in Liaoxi, established a jimi (loose tributary) relationship with the Tang, and gradually developed from scattered tribes into a tribal group with a common leader.
  2. 696–697Yingzhou · Northeast ChinaKhitan leaders Li Jinzhong and Sun Wanrong rose in revolt over oppression by Yingzhou governor Zhao Hui, captured Yingzhou, killed Zhao Hui, and at one point pushed deep into Hebei, shaking the Wu Zhou court and demonstrating the maturity of Khitan military power.
  3. 697–700Songmo · Inner MongoliaAfter the defeat and death of Li Jinzhong and Sun Wanrong, the Khitan tribes reconsolidated in the Songmo region, alternating between war and peace with the Tang; the tribal alliance system grew ever more stable, creating conditions for Khitan social and economic development in the 8th century.

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