The Jin dynasty, officially the Great Jin, was an imperial dynasty of China led by the Jurchen people. It ruled Northern China and Northeast China from 1115 to 1234. Legend has it that the founder, Aguda, chose the name 'Jin' (Gold) because gold is unchanging and pure, unlike iron which rusts. The Jurchens were known for their fierce martial spirit and advanced iron technology before their eventual fall to the rising Mongol Empire.