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Kuchlug

Type Figure Region Western Mongolian steppe Time c. 1170–1218 Also known as Guchuluk、Kutluk

Kuchlug was crown prince of the Naimans in the late 12th century, son of Tayang Khan;…

Timeline

  1. 1170–1180Naiman pastures (foothills of the Altai) · Altai regionKuchlug was born into the family of Naiman chieftain Tayang Khan and spent his childhood in 1171–1180. At this time the Naimans dominated the western Mongolian steppe and had not yet come into direct conflict with Temüjin's forces in the east; as crown prince Kuchlug was immersed in nomadic military culture within the tribal aristocracy.
  2. 1204–1208Western Liao territory (Ili Valley to Semirechye) · Western LiaoIn 1204 the Naimans were destroyed at the Battle of Nahu Cliff, Tayang Khan was killed in battle, and Kuchlug led the remnants west, seeking refuge with Western Liao emperor Yelü Zhilugu and marrying his daughter, gaining a place of shelter.
  3. 1211–1218Western Liao capital Husi (Balasaghun) · SemirechyeTaking advantage of internal disorder in the Western Liao, Kuchlug deposed Yelü Zhilugu and proclaimed himself emperor, converting to Buddhism (or Nestorianism according to another account) and forcing Muslim inhabitants to convert, provoking local discontent. In 1218 the Mongol general Jebe led a western campaign; Kuchlug was defeated and killed, and the Western Liao fell.

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