Western Xia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Great Xia 大夏 (白高大夏國) (大白高國)
1038–1227
Location of Western Xia in 1111 (green in north west)
Western Xia in 1150
Capital	Xingqing (modern Yinchuan)
Common languages	Tangut, Chinese
Religion	Primary: Buddhism Secondary: Taoism Confucianism Chinese folk religion
Government	Monarchy
Emperor
• 1038–1048	Emperor Jingzong (founder)
• 1139–1193	Emperor Renzong (longest-reigned)
• 1226–1227	Li Xian (last)
Historical era	Post-classical history
• Li Jiqian rebels against Song dynasty	984
• Dynasty established by Emperor Jingzong	1038
• Subjugated by Mongol Empire	1210
• Destroyed by Mongol Empire after rebellion	1227
Area
1100 est.	1,000,000 km2 (390,000 sq mi)
Population
• peak	3,000,000
Currency	Barter with some copper coins in the cities (see: Western Xia coinage)
Preceded by Succeeded by Dingnan Jiedushi Xiliangfu Guiyi Circuit Gansu Uyghur Kingdom Liao dynasty Song dynasty Mongol Empire
Today part of	China Mongolia

East Asia and Central Asia in AD 1142: the Southern Song dynasty in orange; the Jin dynasty in grey in the northeast; the Western Xia in turquoise and the Western Liao (Qara Khitai) in lime green in the northwest; and the Dali Kingdom in dark green in the southwest.

History of China
ANCIENT
Neolithic c. 8500 – c. 2070 BC
Xia dynasty c. 2070 – c. 1600 BC
Shang dynasty c. 1600 – c. 1046 BC
Zhou dynasty c. 1046 – 256 BC
Western Zhou
Eastern Zhou
Spring and Autumn
Warring States
IMPERIAL
Qin dynasty 221–206 BC
Han dynasty 206 BC – 220 AD
Western Han
Xin dynasty
Eastern Han
Three Kingdoms 220–280
Wei, Shu and Wu
Jin dynasty 265–420
Western Jin
Eastern Jin	Sixteen Kingdoms
Southern and Northern Dynasties 420–589
Sui dynasty 581–618
Tang dynasty 618–907
(Wu Zhou interregnum 690–705)
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms 907–960	Liao dynasty 907–1125
Song dynasty 960–1279
Northern Song		W. Xia
Southern Song	Jin
Yuan dynasty 1271–1368
Ming dynasty 1368–1644
Qing dynasty 1644–1911
MODERN
Republic of China 1912–1949
People's Republic of China 1949–present	Republic of China on Taiwan 1949–present
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The Western Xia (also called Xi Xia) was a powerful empire in China led by the Tangut people. It existed from 1038 to 1227. At its largest, it covered parts of modern-day Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, Shaanxi, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia. This area was about 800,000 square kilometers.

The capital city was Xingqing, which is now Yinchuan. The Mongols destroyed the Western Xia in 1227. Many of their written records and buildings were lost. Because of this, much of their history was a mystery until the 20th century.

Western Xia was located along the Hexi Corridor. This was an important part of the Silk Road. The Silk Road was a major trade route between northern China and Central Asia. The Western Xia people were very creative. They made great progress in literature, art, music, and architecture. Their military was also very strong. They used cavalry, chariots, archers, and even early cannons. This helped them stand strong against other big empires like the Liao dynasty, Song, and Jin.

What's in a Name?

The Western Xia had a few names. Their own state called it "Great Xia." They also used names like "White High Great Xia State." Some scholars think "White High" might refer to the Yellow River or a mountain peak.

The Tanguts called themselves "Minag." The name "Tangut" comes from an old inscription from 735 AD. It was a common name for tribes in the Qinghai and Gansu regions. The Chinese name "Western Xia" means "Western" because it was west of the Liao dynasty and Jin empires. "Xia" comes from an older Chinese dynasty.

A Look at Western Xia History

Mural of a Western Xia tomb guardian

Tangut officials

Where the Tanguts Came From

The Tangut people originally lived in the Tibet and Qinghai regions. Chinese records say they were related to the Western Qiang people. They lived near Qinghai Lake and the mountains to its south.

In the 600s, the Tanguts sometimes helped the Chinese Sui and Tang dynasties. But they were also sometimes betrayed or attacked. This led to conflicts. By the 650s, the Tanguts moved east to escape pressure from the Tibetans. They settled in what is now Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces.

Over time, more Tanguts moved into Chinese territory. They were organized into special areas controlled by their own leaders. By the 750s, the Tanguts became a strong local power in northern Shaanxi. They sometimes fought with the Chinese, Tibetans, and Uyghurs. Chinese officials admitted that their own generals sometimes treated the Tanguts badly. This caused the Tanguts to rebel or join other groups against the Chinese.

The Dingnan Jiedushi Period

In 873, a Tangut leader named Tuoba Sigong took control of an area called Xiazhou. When the Chinese capital fell to rebels, Sigong helped the Tang dynasty fight them. For his help, he was given control of several areas. This territory was called Dingnan Jiedushi. It was centered in modern Yulin, Shaanxi. In 883, Sigong was given the Chinese royal family name "Li."

After Sigong died, his family continued to rule Dingnan. They often had to balance alliances with different Chinese dynasties and other groups like the Khitans. Sometimes they fought, and sometimes they made peace. In 982, one leader, Jipeng, tried to give control of Dingnan to the Song. But his cousin, Jiqian, disagreed. Jiqian became a rebel leader. He fought against the Song and also made alliances with the Khitans. Jiqian was a strong leader, but he died from an arrow wound in 1004. His son, Deming, took over and was more peaceful with the Song.

Emperor Jingzong: Founding the Empire (1038–1048)

Deming sent gifts to both the Liao dynasty and the Song. He also expanded Tangut lands to the west. In 1028, his son Yuanhao conquered the Ganzhou Uyghur Kingdom. Two years later, another area called Guiyi Circuit joined the Tanguts. Yuanhao also took over the Tibetan area of Xiliangfu. When his father died, Yuanhao became the ruler.

Yuanhao changed his family name to a Tangut one. He also created a large army by requiring all men aged 15 to 60 to serve. By 1036, he had taken over more western lands. In the same year, the unique Tangut script was created. This new writing system was used for government and for translating Chinese and Tibetan books.

In 1038, Yuanhao declared himself emperor. He called his empire the "Great Xia." He is known as Emperor Jingzong of Western Xia. He set up a government similar to the Chinese system. He also made a rule that everyone had to shave the top of their heads. If they didn't, they could be killed.

The Song dynasty didn't like this. They stopped trade and offered a reward for Yuanhao's capture. This led to a long war with the Song. The Xia won some battles, but it cost them a lot. Jingzong's army was very large, with up to 370,000 soldiers. They were mostly horsemen.

In 1039–1040, Jingzong attacked Yanzhou. He won a battle at Sanchuan Pass. But he couldn't capture the city because of heavy snow. In 1042, he won another battle but still couldn't take much land. His army was getting tired and running out of supplies. The Song also started using local allies to fight the Xia.

The Liao dynasty took advantage of the Song's problems. They demanded more tribute from the Song. The Song asked the Liao for help against the Xia. In 1044, the Liao emperor invaded Western Xia with 100,000 soldiers. The Liao won an early victory but failed to take the Xia capital. Jingzong's defenders fought back fiercely. After this, Jingzong made peace with the Song. The Song recognized him as ruler of Xia lands and agreed to pay him yearly tribute.

Near the end of his life, Jingzong had a conflict with his son. He took his son's intended bride as his own wife. His son, Ninglingge, was upset. A plot to kill the emperor was discovered, and several people were executed. Jingzong was later killed by his own son, Ninglingge, in 1048.

Emperor Yizong (1048–1068)

Western Xia caltrop

After Jingzong died, his two-year-old son, Liangzuo, became emperor. He is known as Emperor Yizong of Western Xia. His mother and her family, the Mocang clan, ruled for him. Later, Yizong removed the Mocang family from power. He married Lady Liang, whose family then became very powerful in Xia.

Yizong tried to make the government more like the Chinese system. He wanted to use Chinese court rituals and clothing. But the Liang family preferred Tangut traditions. Yizong also tried to make peace with the Song dynasty. However, Song representatives often insulted Xia envoys, which made things worse.

In 1064, Yizong raided the Song. In 1066, he launched more attacks. He was wounded by a crossbow during one battle. The next year, Song forces captured Suizhou. Yizong died in January 1068, likely from his wounds, at age 20.

Emperor Huizong (1068–1086)

Bronze Xia seals bearing the Tangut seal script characters 𗥦𗖅 (ɣu sjwi) "commander"

Impression of the "commander" seal

Huizong became emperor at age seven. He is known as Emperor Huizong of Western Xia. His mother, Empress Dowager Liang, and her brother, Liang Yimai, ruled for him. Huizong was forced to marry one of Yimai's daughters. This kept the Liang family in control.

In 1080, Huizong tried to break free from his mother's control. He favored Chinese ceremonies over Tangut ones. A year later, a plan by Huizong to give Xia territory to the Song was discovered. His concubine was executed, and Huizong was imprisoned.

Seeing the trouble in Xia, the Song dynasty attacked in 1081. They had some early wins but failed to take the Xia capital, Xingqing. The Xia fought back. The war ended in 1085 when the Song emperor died. The Song returned some captured towns in exchange for prisoners.

Huizong was put back on his throne in 1083. He died in 1086 at age 26.

Emperor Chongzong (1086–1139)

Western Xia paiza with four Tangut characters reading 𗿢𗯼𘆝𗪊 "By imperial command, a pass to burn the horses" (i.e. to ride with great urgency)

Chongzong became emperor at age three. He is known as Emperor Chongzong of Western Xia. His mother, the new Empress Dowager Liang, ruled as regent. The Song continued to fight the Xia. In 1094, the Liang family lost power.

In 1096, the Song stopped paying tribute to the Xia. They also built many forts along the border. In 1098, Empress Regent Liang sent a large army to recapture a Song fort. But the Tangut army was completely defeated. Empress Dowager Liang died in 1099, possibly poisoned.

In 1103, the Song expanded their territory, threatening the Xia's southern border. This led to more Tangut attacks. In 1104 and 1105, the Tanguts attacked Lanzhou. They couldn't take major cities, so they attacked civilians. Chongzong later made peace with the Song. But border issues led to another war in 1113.

In 1113, the Xia built forts in disputed areas. The Song emperor sent troops to remove them. There were many battles with heavy losses on both sides. In 1119, a ceasefire was called.

In 1122, the Jin dynasty took the Liao capital. Some Khitans fled to Xia. Chongzong eventually declared himself a vassal of the Jin in 1124.

During Chongzong's reign, the relationship between the emperor and powerful families became more formal. He also established a state school with 300 students. His brother, Chage, led the Tangut army to many victories against the Song. Chongzong died in 1139 at age 56.

Emperor Renzong (1139–1193)

Western Xia coin c. 1149-1169

Praying Tangut man

Renzong became emperor at age 16. He is known as Emperor Renzong of Western Xia. His mother was a Chinese concubine.

In 1140, a group of Khitan exiles rebelled. Xia forces crushed them. In 1142-3, there was a famine and earthquake. Renzong helped his people by reducing taxes.

Renzong was very interested in education. In 1144, he ordered schools to be built across the country. He opened a school for young imperial family members. A school for Chinese learning was also opened. Confucian temples were built. In 1147, imperial examinations were started to select officials. In 1148, an academy for scholars was created. Renzong also strongly supported Buddhism. Many Buddhist texts were translated into Tangut during his reign.

After 1156, a Chinese official named Ren Dejing became very powerful. He tried to close the schools, calling them useless. But the emperor did not close them. In 1161, the emperor opened a Hanlin Academy to record Xia history.

From 1165 to 1170, Ren Dejing tried to create his own separate area. He also tried to get help from the Jurchens, but they refused. In 1170, Renzong's men secretly arrested Ren Dejing and his followers. They were all executed.

Renzong died in 1193 at age 70.

Emperor Huanzong (1193–1206)

The Tangut Emperor and a boy, 13th century

Huanzong became emperor at age 17. He is known as Emperor Huanzong of Western Xia. Not much is known about his reign, except for the rise of Temüjin and his conflicts with Western Xia.

In 1203, a Mongol leader named Toghrul was defeated by Temüjin. Toghrul's son fled through Tangut territory. The Tanguts refused to help him. Temüjin used this as an excuse to attack Western Xia in 1205. The attack led to looting and loss of livestock.

In 1206, Temüjin was named Genghis Khan, the ruler of all Mongols. This marked the start of the Mongol Empire. In the same year, Huanzong was overthrown by his cousin, Anquan. Anquan became Emperor Xiangzong of Western Xia. Huanzong later died in prison.

Emperor Xiangzong (1206–1211)

In 1207, Genghis Khan led another attack into Western Xia. He sacked a main garrison along the Yellow River. The Tanguts tried to team up with the Jurchen Jin dynasty against the Mongols. But the Jin ruler refused, thinking it was better for his enemies to fight each other.

In 1209, Genghis Khan invaded Western Xia again. He defeated a large army and captured several forts. The Mongols then surrounded the capital, Zhongxing. They tried to flood the city by changing the course of the Yellow River. But their dike broke and flooded the Mongol camp instead. This forced them to retreat. In 1210, Xiangzong agreed to become a Mongol subject. He gave his daughter to Genghis Khan in marriage and paid tribute.

After this defeat, Western Xia attacked the Jin dynasty for not helping them. The next year, the Mongols joined Western Xia in a long war against the Jin. In the same year, Xiangzong's nephew, Zunxu, took power in a coup. He became Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia. Xiangzong died a month later.

Emperor Shenzong (1211–1223)

Emperor Shenzong of Western Xia was the first emperor in his family to pass the highest imperial exams.

Shenzong tried to keep the Mongols happy by attacking the Jurchens. In 1214, he supported a rebellion against the Jurchens. In 1216, Western Xia sent troops to help the Mongols attack Jin territory. The Tanguts also invited the Song to join them against the Jin.

However, many at court did not like this policy of fighting the Jin and helping the Mongols. In 1217-18, the Mongols asked Western Xia for troops for their campaigns further west. But the Xia refused. No immediate revenge happened because Genghis Khan left for the west in 1219. In 1223, Shenzong gave up his throne to his son, Dewang. Dewang became Emperor Xianzong of Western Xia.

Emperor Xianzong (1223–1226)

Western Xia mail armour

Emperor Xianzong of Western Xia started peace talks with the Jurchen Jin in 1224. The peace agreement was made final in 1225. But the Tanguts continued to defy the Mongols. They refused to send a prince as a hostage to the Mongol court.

After winning against Khwarazm in 1221, Genghis Khan prepared to punish Western Xia. In 1225, Genghis attacked with about 180,000 soldiers. According to a Mongol history, Genghis was injured during a horse hunt. He offered Western Xia a chance to surrender peacefully. But a Tangut general mocked the Mongols and challenged them to battle. Genghis promised to get revenge. He ordered his generals to destroy cities and forts as they advanced.

Genghis divided his army. One part went west, and the main force went east into Western Xia. They took Suzhou and Ganzhou. Ganzhou was spared because it was the hometown of a Mongol commander. After taking Khara-Khoto in early 1226, the Mongols moved steadily south.

In August 1226, Mongol troops reached Liangzhou, the second-largest city, which surrendered. In autumn 1226, Genghis crossed the Helan Mountains. In November, he surrounded Lingwu, a city near the capital. At this point, Xianzong died. His relative, Xian, became Emperor Mozhu of Western Xia.

Emperor Mo: The Last Ruler (1226–1227)

Emperor Mo of Western Xia led a huge army of 300,000 against the Mongols, but he was defeated. The Mongols then sacked Lingzhou.

Genghis Khan reached the Western Xia capital in 1227. He surrounded the city. He also attacked the Jin to stop them from sending help to Western Xia. The siege of the capital lasted for six months. Genghis offered terms of surrender.

In August 1227, Genghis Khan died. His death was kept secret so the campaign could continue. In September 1227, Emperor Mo surrendered to the Mongols. He was quickly executed. The Mongols then looted the capital and killed many people. They also robbed the imperial tombs. This completed the destruction of the Western Xia state.

The End of Western Xia

The Mongols almost completely destroyed Western Xia. Some historians say Genghis Khan wanted to erase them from history. This is why not much is known about them today, except by experts. However, some members of the Western Xia royal family moved to other areas. They settled in places like western Sichuan, northern Tibet, and even possibly Northeast India. Some became local rulers. Small groups of Western Xia people also lived in what are now Henan and Hebei provinces in China. Remnants of the Western Xia culture lasted until the middle of the Ming dynasty.

Military Power

The Western Xia had two special military units. The Iron Hawks were a 3,000-strong heavy cavalry unit. The Trekker infantry were mountain soldiers. Chage, the brother of Emperor Chongzong, noted that the Trekker infantry had trouble fighting the Song dynasty's powerful crossbows. He said their troops were good at traditional fighting but struggled to adapt to new tactics.

Culture and Life

Fragment of a stele with Tangut script

Tangut printing block

Language and Writing

The Western Xia kingdom created its own unique Tangut script. This was used to write the Tangut language, which is now extinct.

Officials in Western Xia came from different groups: Tibetans, Uyghurs, Han Chinese, and Tanguts. These groups often married each other. Tangut, Chinese, and Tibetan were all official languages. Many Chinese books were translated into Tangut and printed. Buddhist texts were also translated and printed.

Clothing and Style

In 1034, Emperor Jingzong made a new rule about hair. Everyone had to shave the top of their heads. This was to make them look different from people in other countries. Clothing was also regulated. Different styles were for different social classes. Their clothing was influenced by Tibetan and Uyghur styles.

Beliefs and Religion

The main religion in Western Xia was a mix of Tibetan and Chinese Buddhism. The emperors saw themselves as Buddhist kings. They supported Buddhist teachers. Scholars also studied Confucian and Taoist texts. Early on, Chinese Buddhism was most common. But later, Tibetan Buddhism became more important.

How They Made a Living

The Western Xia economy relied mostly on farming and raising animals. Trade was also very important, especially with Central Asia along the Silk Road.

Western Xia Rulers

450 years after the destruction of the Tangut empire, the "Kingdom of Tenduc or Tangut" was still shown on some European maps as China's northwestern neighbor

Images for kids

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  A clay head of the Buddha, Western Xia dynasty, 12th century

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  A winged kalavinka made of grey pottery, Western Xia dynasty

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  A painting of the Buddhist manjusri, from the Yulin Caves of Gansu, China, from the Tangut-led Western Xia dynasty

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  Concubines of the Tangut ruler

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  Wooden figure of a Tangut soldier

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  Tangut women

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  Tangut bride

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  Printed text using pottery (argile) movable type from Western Xia around the mid-12th century. Found in Xinhua Xiang (新华乡); Wuwei City, Gansu province.

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  The Golden Light Sutra written in the Tangut script

See also

In Spanish: Imperio tangut para niños