What are the Hordes of China?

The Hordes of China is a term used to describe the various nomadic peoples who lived in the Inner Mongolian steppes and the Mongolian Plateau from the 3rd century BC to the 13th century AD. These nomadic groups were skilled horsemen and archers and were known for their military prowess. They played a significant role in the history of China, both as invaders and as rulers of the region.

Some of the most prominent Hordes of China included:

* The Xiongnu: The Xiongnu were a powerful nomadic people who controlled the Mongolian Plateau from the 3rd century BC to the 1st century AD. They were a major threat to the Han Dynasty of China and inflicted several defeats on the Chinese armies.

* The Xianbei: The Xianbei were a nomadic people who succeeded the Xiongnu as the dominant power in the Mongolian Plateau. They founded several kingdoms in China, including the Northern Wei Dynasty (386–535 AD).

* The Rouran: The Rouran were a nomadic people who controlled the Mongolian Plateau from the 5th to the 6th century AD. They were a major rival of the Northern Wei Dynasty and waged several wars against the Chinese.

* The Göktürks: The Göktürks were a nomadic people who controlled the Mongolian Plateau from the 6th to the 8th century AD. They were a significant military power and played a key role in the politics of Central Asia.

* The Mongols: The Mongols were the last of the Hordes of China. They emerged in the 12th century AD and under the leadership of Genghis Khan, they conquered a vast empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Caspian Sea. The Mongols ruled China during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD).