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Jin Dynasty

Capital: 1153 AD Zhongdu (Beijing) / 1214 AD Kaifeng

History

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 - The Mongol Empire existed during the 13th and 14th centuries and was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in present-day Mongolia in East Asia, the Mongol Empire at its height st....

Territory

Related Wars

Rise of the Jin and Fall of the Liao Dynasty

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Song-Jin Wars and the Founding of Southern Song

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Founding of the Mongol Empire and the First Invasion of Jin

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Mongol Conquest of the Jin Dynasty

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Related Civilizations

Liao Dynasty (Khitan)

The Liao Dynasty (916–1125) was a powerful empire founded by the legendary leader Yelü Abaoji of the nomadic Khitan people. Emerging from the vast grass plains of Northeast Asia, the Khitan created a unique empire that successfully blended nomadic horse-riding traditions with the farming culture of China. At its height, the Liao Empire ruled over a massive territory including modern Mongolia, Manchuria, and the strategic Yanyun Sixteen Prefectures of Northern China. A key reason for their success was the Dual Administration System, which allowed the Northern Administration to govern nomads with tribal laws, while the Southern Administration ruled farming populations using traditional Chinese laws. This wise system respected the different lifestyles of its diverse subjects.
The Liao Dynasty is also famous for its deeply rooted Buddhist faith. They built many spectacular temples, grand pagodas, and beautiful Buddhist statues. The empire eventually fell to the rising Jin Dynasty, but their name 'Khitan' became so famous across Eurasia that it became the root of the word 'Cathay,' a term used in many Western languages for centuries to refer to China. A famous legend surrounds the birth of the founder, Yelü Abaoji: it is said that when he was born, the entire room was filled with a mysterious, sweet fragrance and brilliant light, and he could walk immediately as a newborn. Another myth tells of Abaoji shooting down a massive flying divine dragon with a single arrow, symbolizing his divine right to rule the vast steppes.

Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire existed during the 13th and 14th centuries and was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in present-day Mongolia in East Asia, the Mongol Empire at its height st...

Song Dynasty

The Song dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China that began in 960 and lasted until 1279. It was founded by Emperor Taizu of Song following his usurpation of the throne of the Later Zhou, ending the ...

Western Xia

The Tangut Empire, known as Western Xia, was a powerful Buddhist empire that ruled Northwest China from 1038 to 1227. Controlling the vital Hexi Corridor, it served as a major cultural and economic bridge on the Silk Road. Legend has it that the Tangut script, one of the most complex in history, was created in a single massive effort by the visionary scholar Iri. The empire's fierce resistance against the Mongols eventually led to Genghis Khan's death during the final siege of their capital.

Related People

E

Emperor Aizong of Jin

9th and Last Emperor of the Jin Dynasty

E

Emperor Tianzuo of Liao (Yelu Yanxi)

Last Emperor of the Liao Dynasty

Genghis Khan

Founder and First Great Khan of the Mongol Empire

Ögedei Khan

Second Great Khan of the Mongol Empire

Q

Qin Hui

Grand Chancellor of Song Dynasty

Song Huizong (Zhao Ji)

Emperor of Song Dynasty

Song Qinzong (Zhao Huan)

Last Emperor of Northern Song

Subutai

Primary Military Strategist of Genghis Khan and Ogedei Khan

Tolui

Prince and Military Commander of the Mongol Empire

T

Tong Guan

General and Chancellor of the Song Dynasty

Wanyan Aguda (Emperor Taizu of Jin)

Founder and First Emperor of Jin Dynasty

Yue Fei

General of Song Dynasty