Emperor Taizong of Liao (born 25 November 902, died 18 May 947), known by his personal name Yaogu and his sinicized name Yelü Deguang, with the courtesy name Dejin, ascended as the second formidable emperor of the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. His reign, from 927 to 947, marked a pivotal period in the expansion and consolidation of Khitan power across Northeast Asia and into traditional Chinese territories.

The Later Jin dynasty (simplified Chinese: 后晋; traditional Chinese: 後晉; pinyin: Hòu Jìn), which existed from 936 to 947, represented one of the ephemeral Five Dynasties during China's tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. This era was characterized by rapid dynastic succession and regional fragmentation after the collapse of the Tang Dynasty. The Later Jin was notably established by Shi Jingtang, a military governor who, in a desperate bid for power, secured critical military aid from the burgeoning Khitan Empire under Emperor Taizong. This alliance came at a significant cost: Shi Jingtang recognized Khitan suzerainty and ceded the strategically vital Sixteen Prefectures (幽蓟十六州), a strip of territory along the Great Wall comprising sixteen prefectures in present-day Beijing and northern Hebei, to the Khitan. This cession provided the Khitan with crucial access to the North China Plain and greatly bolstered their influence.

Despite this initial alliance, the relationship between Later Jin and the Khitan Empire deteriorated under Shi Chonggui, the second ruler of Later Jin. Shi Chonggui, feeling increasingly constrained by the Khitan's dominant suzerainty and their burgeoning demands, opted to defy the Liao dynasty. This defiance triggered a decisive military response from Emperor Taizong and the Khitan forces. In 946, a major Khitan invasion was launched, culminating in the complete annihilation of the Later Jin dynasty in 947. Following this swift and devastating victory, the Khitan Empire not only absorbed the former territories of the Later Jin but also briefly established the Liao dynasty as the nominal ruler over a significant portion of the Central Plains, further solidifying their imperial ambitions and marking the pinnacle of Emperor Taizong's military achievements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Emperor Taizong and the Later Jin Dynasty

Who was Emperor Taizong of Liao?

Emperor Taizong, born Yelü Deguang (personal name Yaogu), was the second emperor of the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. He reigned from 927 to 947 and was instrumental in the expansion of Khitan power, including the conquest of the Later Jin dynasty and the annexation of its territories.

What was the Later Jin dynasty?

The Later Jin dynasty was one of the Five Dynasties that ruled parts of northern China between 936 and 947, during the chaotic Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It was founded by Shi Jingtang with significant military support from the Khitan Empire.

How did the Khitan Empire become involved with the Later Jin?

Shi Jingtang, the founder of the Later Jin, sought military aid from the Khitan Emperor Taizong to overthrow the preceding Later Tang dynasty. In exchange for this crucial support, Shi Jingtang recognized Khitan suzerainty and ceded the strategically important Sixteen Prefectures to the Khitan, a move that profoundly impacted regional power dynamics.

What led to the collapse of the Later Jin dynasty?

The Later Jin dynasty collapsed in 947 after its second ruler, Shi Chonggui, challenged the suzerainty of the Khitan Empire. This defiance provoked Emperor Taizong to launch a full-scale invasion in 946-947, leading to the swift defeat and annexation of the Later Jin territories by the Khitan.

What were the Sixteen Prefectures?

The Sixteen Prefectures (幽蓟十六州) were a group of strategically important territories in northern China, including parts of modern-day Beijing and Hebei province. They were ceded by the Later Jin founder Shi Jingtang to the Khitan Empire in exchange for military aid, giving the Khitan a vital foothold south of the Great Wall and access to the agricultural wealth and population of the Central Plains.