Khitan

In this episode, we delve into the history of the Khitan people - a powerful nomadic group from East Asia who founded the Liao dynasty in China. The discussion traces their origins from the Xianbei and follows their rise after the Tang dynasty's collapse, exploring their distinctive culture, dual Khitan writing systems, and economy built on stockbreeding and hunting. We also examine their spiritual world, where Shamanism coexisted with Chinese Buddhism, and their eventual dispersal and assimilation following the fall of their dynasties. The episode concludes by noting their enduring legacy, from their genetic link to the modern Daur people to the name 'Cathay,' the medieval term for China derived from 'Khitan.'