Chanyu facts for kids
The Chanyu (pronounced Chan-yoo) was a very important title, like a king or emperor, used by the main leaders of nomadic groups in Inner Asia. These groups often moved around a lot, instead of staying in one place. The Chanyu title was used for about 800 years!
It was most famous for being used by the Xiongnu people, especially during the time of the Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE) and Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE) in China. Later on, a new title, "Khagan", became more common for these leaders after 402 CE.
Contents
What Does the Word "Chanyu" Mean?
.jpg)
The word "Chanyu" has an interesting meaning. According to old Chinese books, the Xiongnu people called "Heaven" by the name Chēnglí. They called a "child" gūtú.
The full title, Chēnglí Gūtu Chányú, meant something like "Son of Heaven, Ruler of the North". The word Chányú itself meant "vast and great appearance," showing how powerful these leaders were. Some experts think the word "Chanyu" might be connected to a later title called tarkhan, which was also for important leaders.
Who Were the Xiongnu Chanyus?
Many powerful leaders held the title of Chanyu. Here are some of the most well-known Xiongnu Chanyus and when they ruled:
| Title | Personal Name | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| Touman | 220–209 BC | |
| Modu Chanyu | 209–174 BC | |
| Laoshang Chanyu | Jiyu | 174–161 BC |
| Junchen Chanyu | 161–126 BC | |
| Yizhixie Chanyu | 126–114 BC | |
| Wuwei Chanyu | 114–105 BC | |
| Er Chanyu | Wushilu | 105–102/101 BC |
| Xulihu Chanyu / Goulihu | 102/101–101/100 BC | |
| Qiedihou | 101/100–96 BC | |
| Hulugu Chanyu | 96–85 BC | |
| Huyandi Chanyu | 85–68 BC | |
| Xulüquanqu Chanyu | 68–60 BC | |
| Woyanqudi Chanyu | Tuqitang | 60–58 BC |
| Huhanye Chanyu | Jihoushan | 58 – 31 BC |
| Fuzhulei Ruodi Chanyu | Diaotaomogao | 31–20 BC |
| Souxie Chanyu | Jumixu | 20–12 BC |
| Juya Chanyu | Jumoju | 12–8 BC |
| Wuzhuliu Chanyu | Nangzhiyasi/Zhi | 8 BC – 13 AD |
| Wulei Chanyu | Xian | 13–18 AD |
| Huduershidaogao Chanyu | Yu | 18–46 AD |
| Wudadihou | 46 AD |
Northern Xiongnu Leaders
After a while, the Xiongnu split into two main groups: Northern and Southern. Here are some of the Northern Xiongnu leaders:
| Chinese name | Reign |
|---|---|
| Punu Chanyu | 46–? AD |
| Youliu | ?–87 AD |
| Northern Chanyu | 88–? AD |
| Yuchujian | 91–93 AD |
| Feng-hou | 94–118 AD |
Southern Xiongnu Leaders
The Southern Xiongnu often had closer ties with the Chinese Han dynasty.
| Chinese name | Personal Name | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| Sutuhu/Bi Huhanxie the Second Xiluo Shizhu Ti |
48–56/55 AD | |
| Qiufu Youti/Mo | 55/56–56/57 AD | |
| Yifa Yulüti/Han | 56/57–59 AD | |
| Xitong Shizhu Houti/Shi | 59–63 AD | |
| Qiuchu Julinti/Su | 63 AD | |
| Huxie Shizhu Houti/Chang | 63–85 AD | |
| Yitu Yulüti/Xuan | 85–88 AD | |
| Tuntuhe Shulan Xiulan Shizhu Houti |
88–93 AD | |
| Anguo | 93–94 AD | |
| Shizi Tingdu Shizhu Houti |
94–98 AD | |
| Wanshishizhudi/Tan | 98-124 AD | |
| Wujihoushizhudi/Ba | 124–127/128 AD | |
| Xiuli Qute Ruoshi Zhujiu |
127/128–140/142? | |
| Cheniu | 140–143 AD | |
| Toulouchu Hulan Ruoshi Zhujiu |
143–147 AD | |
| Jucheer Yiling Ruoshi Zhujiu |
147–158 AD (died 172 AD) | |
| Tute Ruoshi Zhujiu | 158–178 AD | |
| Huzheng | 178–179 AD | |
| Qiangqu | 179–188 AD | |
| Yufuluo | 188–195 AD | |
| Huchuquan | 195–? |
Da Chanyu (Great Chanyu)
Later, some leaders of states that came from the Xiongnu also used a similar title, "Da Chanyu," meaning "Great Chanyu."
| Chinese name | Personal Name | Reign |
|---|---|---|
| Liu Yuan | Yuanhai | 304–? |
| Liu Cong | Xuanming | 310–? |
| Liu Can | Shiguang | ?–? |
| Liu Yin | Yisun | 325–? |
| Helian Bobo | Qujie | 407–? |
See also
