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Esen Taishi

Type Figure Region Mongolia Time c. 1400–1455 Also known as Esen

Esen Taishi (year of birth unknown–1455) was a mid-15th-century leader of the Oirat Mongols who defeated Ming forces at Tumu in 1449 and captured the…

Timeline

  1. 1435–1441Oirat steppe · OiratAfter his father Toghon Taishi died, Esen took control of Oirat military and political power, annexed the various tribes, installed the Tatar khagan Toghtoa Bukha as a puppet, effectively controlled the Mongol confederation north of the desert, and repeatedly raided the Ming frontier.
  2. 1449Tumu Fortress · XuanfuIn the eighth month of the fourteenth year of Zhengtong, Esen led an Oirat army on a raid, routed the Ming army at Tumu Fortress, and captured the Ming Zhengtong Emperor Zhu Qizhen. The battle shook the Ming dynasty; Wang Zhen died in the rout, the capital was in peril, and it was only through Yu Qian and others firmly defending Beijing that it was saved.
  3. 1450Beijing · Northern ZhiliIn the first year of Jingtai, he brought the Zhengtong Emperor to the walls of Beijing, demanded ransom, and attempted to enter the city, but met firm resistance from Yu Qian and others. The Ming court enthroned the Jingtai Emperor; Esen failed to take the city after a long siege and was counterattacked by Ming forces, so he withdrew north, and Oirat prestige greatly declined.
  4. 1451–1455Oirat steppe · OiratAfter returning the Zhengtong Emperor, Esen fell out with Toghtoa Bukha, killed him and declared himself khagan, but then lost the allegiance of his followers. He died in internal strife in 1455; Oirat power split and declined, and Ming northern defenses gradually eased.

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