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Juchen

people
Also known as: Ju-chen, Nüzhen, Ruzhen

Quick Summary

The Juchen were a seminomadic and semipastoral people from Manchuria who overthrew the Liao dynasty and established the Jin dynasty in northern China from 1115 to 1234. They adopted a dual government system, with a Chinese-style bureaucracy for their conquered territories and a tribal structure for Inner Asian nomads.123

To maintain their distinct identity and military superiority, the Juchen kept a standing army and preserved their language, clothing, and customs within it. However, they also engaged with the sophisticated culture of their Chinese subjects to manage state affairs. Over time, the Juchen's economic and military strength declined, and they were eventually conquered by the Mongols led by Genghis Khan.13

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