Which ancient people formed the first known tribal empire in Mongolia?

The Xiongnu were the ancient people who formed the first known tribal empire in Mongolia. Emerging around the 5th or 4th century BCE, they established a vast tribal confederation that dominated much of Central Asia for over 500 years.12

Under a ruler known as the chanyu, the Xiongnu created a powerful state that extended from western Manchuria to the Pamirs, encompassing much of present-day Mongolia and Siberia. They were formidable mounted warriors whose military strength and periodic incursions into northern China significantly influenced the development of the Great Wall of China. While the Xiongnu confederation eventually fractured and declined after several centuries of conflict, they remain a foundational element in the early tribal history of the region.21