16 Facts About Abaoji

Abaoji, posthumously known by his temple name as the Emperor Taizu of Liao, was a Khitan leader and the founding emperor of the Liao dynasty of China, ruling from 916 to 926.

Abaoji had a sinicised name, Yelu Yi; some sources suggest that Abaoji's family name, Yelu, was adopted during his lifetime, although there is no consensus amongst historians on this point.

Abaoji was born in 872 in Southern Mongolia and had a turbulent childhood.

Abaoji's grandfather was killed in a conflict between tribes, and his father and uncles fled.

Abaoji was responsible for the conquest and unification of all of Inner Mongolia, northern China and southern Manchuria.

Abaoji was even recorded as being able to see events before they occurred.

Abaoji's father had been the elected chieftain of the Yila tribe.

Abaoji became chieftain of the Yila tribe in 901, and in 903 he was named the Yuyue, commander of all of the Khitan military forces.

Abaoji started making a name for himself in 905 when he led 70,000 cavalry into Shanxi to create a brotherhood with Li Keyong.

From 907 until 916, Abaoji was beset with constant uprisings and rebellions, mostly instigated by his own family members.

Abaoji eventually won them over by persuading them that they could become more successful as a dynasty.

Abaoji adopted Han court formalities in which he declared himself Celestial Emperor in the Han style and adopted an era name, in the Han manner of ruling.

Abaoji organised his followers into warrior units known as orda, and then by joining 12 ordas together, he formed an administrative district.

Abaoji ordered the development of a Khitan large script in 920.

Abaoji caught up with the Khitan ruler in Manchuria while he was on campaign against the Balhae kingdom and while he was encamped at Fuyu in present-day Jilin Province.

Abaoji demanded that the Later Tang surrender the Sixteen Prefectures.