Which groups succeeded the Xiongnu in Mongolia?

Following the breakup of the Xiongnu confederation, Mongolia was inhabited by various groups that had likely been present as subjects during the Xiongnu era. These groups asserted themselves as the confederation dissolved, and they included both Turkic-speaking peoples and those identified by some scholars as Mongol speakers.12

Key tribal groups that succeeded the Xiongnu include:

• Sienpi (Xianbi): Recorded in Han dynasty annals, these groups are considered by some to be possibly Mongol, though other scholars suggest they may have been Tungus-speakers.12
• Juan-juan (Rouran): Active from the 4th to 6th centuries, this group ruled over other tribes, including the Turks.12
• Turks (Tujue): Originally a subject tribe under the Juan-juan, the Turks overthrew their masters and established control over all of Mongolia, centering their power in the Orkhon River valley.12
• Uyghurs: This group rose to power following the fall of the Orkhon Turks.12

Historical evidence suggests these groups were already present in the region rather than migrating from distant areas to fill a void.12