Huhanye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jihoushan
Huhanye Chanyu
Domain and influence of the Eastern Huns
Reign	c. 59–31 BC
Predecessor	Woyanqudi Chanyu
Successor	Fuzhulei Ruodi
Spouse	Wang Zhaojun
Dynasty	Modu Chanyu
Father	Xulüquanqu Chanyu

Huhanye (Chinese: 呼韓邪), whose birth name was Jihoushan (Chinese: 稽侯狦), was an important leader of the Xiongnu Empire. He was known as a Chanyu, which was the title for the supreme leader of the Xiongnu people. Huhanye was the son of Xulüquanqu Chanyu, another powerful Xiongnu leader. He became Chanyu during a time when the Xiongnu were facing many challenges and internal conflicts.

Who Was Huhanye Chanyu?

Huhanye became a leader in 59 BC. At this time, the Xiongnu were divided into many groups fighting each other. This happened after the death of Woyanqudi Chanyu. By 55 BC, only Huhanye and his brother, Zhizhi Chanyu, were left as the main contenders for power. Their rivalry shaped much of Huhanye's early rule.

Huhanye's Family and Successors

Huhanye had a large family, which was common for leaders of his time. His father was Xulüquanqu Chanyu. He also had a brother named Woyanqudi Chanyu.

Huhanye had several wives, and they had many children. These children often played important roles in Xiongnu politics later on. Some of his notable sons who became Chanyu after him include:

• Fuzhulei Ruodi Chanyu (ruled from 31–20 BC)
• Souxie Chanyu (ruled from 20–12 BC)
• Wulei Chanyu (ruled from 13–18 AD)
• Juya Chanyu (ruled from 12–8 BC)
• Wuzhuliu Chanyu (ruled from 8 BC–13 AD)
• Huduershidaogao Chanyu

One of his most famous wives was Wang Zhaojun. She was a very special person from the Han dynasty of China. They had a son named Yituzhiyashi, who also became involved in Xiongnu politics. They also had two daughters.

Huhanye's Journey to Leadership

After the death of the previous Chanyu in 58 BC, the Xiongnu people were very weak. Different groups within the Xiongnu started fighting each other. Huhanye and his brother Zhizhi were two of the main leaders in these conflicts.

Conflict with His Brother Zhizhi

Huhanye and Zhizhi fought against each other for control. In 51 BC, Huhanye was defeated by Zhizhi. This forced Huhanye to make a big decision. He decided to seek help from the powerful Han dynasty to the south.

Seeking Help from the Han Dynasty

Huhanye traveled to Chang'an, the capital city of the Han dynasty. He met with Emperor Xuan of Han. The Emperor allowed Huhanye's people to settle in an area called Yinshan. This was a way for the Han to show their power and offer protection.

Zhizhi also tried to make peace with the Han later. However, he soon declared himself independent again. He moved west and attacked other groups like the Fergana and Wusun. Meanwhile, Huhanye moved back north in 43 BC.

Becoming the Sole Leader

The Han dynasty eventually fought against Zhizhi. Zhizhi was killed by the Han in a battle in 36 BC. This left Huhanye as the only undisputed leader of the Xiongnu. He was finally able to unite his people.

Huhanye and Wang Zhaojun

In 33 BC, Huhanye visited Chang'an again. This was part of a special agreement between the Han and Xiongnu. During this visit, Huhanye asked to marry a princess from the Han imperial family.

The Story of Wang Zhaojun

The Han Emperor Yuan did not want to send a real princess. So, he ordered that a lady-in-waiting, who was thought to be plain, be chosen. A young woman named Wang Zhaojun volunteered. The Emperor approved her.

However, Wang Zhaojun turned out to be incredibly beautiful. She is now known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China. She is famous alongside other legendary figures like Xi Shi, Diaochan, and Yang Guifei.

Wang Zhaojun became a favorite wife of Huhanye Chanyu. They had two sons and two daughters together. One of their sons, Yituzhiyashi, became important in Xiongnu politics. Their daughter, Yun, also became a powerful figure.

Huhanye passed away in 31 BC. His son, Diaotaomogao, succeeded him as the next Chanyu. Huhanye's reign was important because he helped bring stability to the Xiongnu people after a long period of conflict.