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LIAO DYNASTY
From 947-1125, the Liao were considered influencial rulers during the
Northern Song Dynasty. The Liao Dynasty was controlled by the Khitans (Qidan),a
steppe society of 8 nomad tribes, but really was a melting pot of
different ethnic backgrounds (non-Chinese peoples), primarily Turks,
Koreans, and Mongols. The Liao extended along the Great Wall, including
territories called the Sixteen Prefectures, all in northern China. It is
important to note that the Khitans have a history dating back to the
first century AD, and by 925, succeeded to rule eastern Mongolia,
northern China, and a large part of Manchuria. By 1004, the Liao
succeeded in conquering territory up to the Yellow River (just short of
the Song capital). Also, the Liao had five capitals, including Youzhou
(now Beijing).
By 986, a 15-year old boy named Emperor Xingzong and his powerful mother
lead its calvary to push back China's Song borders and armies, forcing a
relationship between the two dynasties. This era of peace was to last
over 100 years, with the Song signing a treaty in 1005, paying
commodities such as silk, silver, copper, among other textiles, to
maintain the peace.
During this period, several temples and monuments were built, that were
inspired by Buddhism. Additionally, the production of Khitan ceramics,
mastering printblocking and book binding, processed foods, salt, iron,
leather, fur, armor, were all that created wealth among a population
that had been displaced from other regions outside the Liao.
By 1112, there was evidence that the Liao had begun its downfall. In
part, this was due to the dissention from a tribal group called Jurchen,
ancesters to the Manchu. Although the northern Song had its support
behind the Khitans, it failed. In 1114,the Jurchen's leader, Aguda,
named himself emperor and the Jin Tartar Dynasty was created, forcing
the collapse of the Laio in 1125.
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