The ethnic mixing in the nomad empires (the case of marriage unions)

Abstract

During the Liao and Jin dynasties, the Khitans and Jurchens shared many similarities in their marriage systems and customs, including the encouragement of mixed marriages between ethnic groups. This article will delve into the historical background that underpins these communities” practices. The study of ancient and medieval “ethnic groups” draws upon a range of sources, each with its own strengths and limitations. Archaeological data provides insights into the shared material culture development and artistic forms across different population groups. Narrative sources, such as written texts and epigraphs, often use “politonyms” instead of specific nationalities when describing foreigners, focusing on the potential consequences of interactions rather than distinct features (for example, the people of the Northern Black Sea Region were referred to as “Scythians” in Late Roman and Byzantine sources, regardless of their actual ethnicity). Therefore, first-hand accounts play a crucial role in capturing individuals” own perceptions of ethnicity. This study focuses on the histories of the Liao (established by the Mongol-speaking Khitans) and Jin (founded by the Tungusspeaking Jurchens) Empires, drawing analogies from Chinese records of the early Middle Ages to showcase the complexities of “national politics” in northern China. By examining factors such as marriage regulations based on social hierarchies, we can gain a more nuanced understanding of the relationships between ancient communities in Eurasia. Keywords: Northern China, Xianbei, Khitans, Jurchens, Rongs, Marriage Policy.