Jurchen

In this episode, we explore the fascinating story of the Jurchen people - a Tungusic-speaking group from Northeast China who would later become known as the Manchus, founders of both the Jin and Qing dynasties. The discussion traces their roots from the ancient Mohe tribes to their rise under Nurhaci during the Ming era, examining their shifting ties with the Liao and Goryeo states. We also look at how their mixed hunter-gatherer and agrarian lifestyle shaped distinct subgroups like the Jianzhou, Haixi, and 'Wild' Jurchens, while touching on their language, religion, burial traditions, and unique genetic traits that reveal their enduring legacy in East Asian history.