Western Xia

Tangut-led imperial dynasty in northwest China, ruling from 1038 to 1227 AD.

Quick Facts: Who was Western Xia?

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Western Xia
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Tangut-led imperial dynasty in northwest China, ruling from 1038 to 1227 AD.
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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Western Xia or the Xi Xia (Chinese: 西夏; pinyin: Xī Xià; Wade–Giles: Hsi1 Hsia4), officially the Kingdom of the Great Xia of the White and Lofty (Tangut: 𗴂𗹭𘜶𗴲𗂧) or Great Xia (大夏; Dà Xià; Ta4 Hsia4), also known as the Tangut Empire, was a Tangut-led imperial dynasty of China that existed from 1038 to 1227 AD. At its peak, the dynasty ruled over 1,000,000 square kilometres (390,000 square miles) of modern-day north-central China. The capital of the Western Xia was Xingqing, now Yinchuan; another major Xia city and archaeological site is Khara-Khoto. The Western Xia was annihilated by the Mongols in 1227 AD. Most of its written records and architecture were destroyed, and the origins and history of the empire remained obscure until Chinese and Western research in the 20th-century.

Career & Major Achievements

Today the Tangut language and its unique script are extinct; only fragments of Tangut literature remain. The Western Xia occupied the area around the Hexi Corridor, a stretch of the Silk Road, the most important trade route between northern China and Central Asia. They made significant achievements in literature, art, music, and architecture, which was characterized as "shining and sparkling". Their extensive stance among the other empires of the Liao, Song, and Jin was attributable to their effective military organizations that integrated cavalry, chariots, archery, shields, artillery (cannons carried on the back of camels), and amphibious troops for combat on land and water. The full title of the Western Xia as named by their own state means, word for word, 'white', 'high', 'kingdom', 'great' (𗴂𗹭𗂧𘜶, reconstructed as /*phiow¹-bjij²-lhjij-lhjij²/), or 'white', 'high', 'great', 'summer', 'kingdom' ( 𗴂𗹭𘜶𗴲𗂧).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

K.B. Kepping translates this as the "Great State of White and High". A corresponding Chinese name (白高大夏國, "White High Great Xia State") was also used. Chinese and Japanese scholars commonly interpret the first two words as "upper reaches of the White River", which was possibly referring to the Yellow River. Kepping proposed the translation "the Kingdom of the Great Xia of the White and Lofty", and suggested that the name refers to a peak in the Helan Mountains named the "White and Lofty Mother". During the Western Xia period, the only Tangut language name used was the "Great State of White and High", while Chinese language sources in Western Xia used both the name Xia and the "White High Great Xia State".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

  1. 1038: 1038 Milestone — The Western Xia or the Xi Xia (Chinese: 西夏; pinyin: Xī Xià; Wade–Giles: Hsi1 Hsia4), officially the Kingdom of the Great Xia of the White and Lofty (Tangut: 𗴂𗹭𘜶𗴲𗂧) or Great Xia (大夏; Dà Xià; Ta4 Hsia4), also known as the Tangut Empire, was a Tangut-led imperial dynasty of China that existed from 1038 to 1227 AD.
  2. 1227: 1227 Milestone — The Western Xia was annihilated by the Mongols in 1227 AD.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Western Xia

True or False: “The Western Xia was conquered by the Mongols in a single, decisive battle immediately upon its founding in 1038 AD.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Western Xia existed for over two centuries (1038–1227 AD) and faced various regional powers before its final conquest.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Western Xia

Who was Western Xia and what are their primary contributions?

Tangut-led imperial dynasty in northwest China, ruling from 1038 to 1227 AD. Origins & Early Life: The Western Xia or the Xi Xia (Chinese: 西夏; pinyin: Xī Xià; Wade–Giles: Hsi1 Hsia4), officially the Kingdom of the Great Xia of the White and Lofty (Tangut: 𗴂𗹭𘜶𗴲𗂧) or Great Xia (大夏; Dà Xià; Ta4 Hsia4), also known as the Tangut Empire, was a Tangut-led imperial dynasty of China that existed from 1038 to 1227 AD. At its peak, the dynasty ruled over 1,000,000 square kilometres (390,000 square miles) of modern-day north-central China. The capital of the Western Xia was Xingqing, now Yinchuan; another major Xia city and archaeological site is Khara-Khoto. The Western Xia was annihilated by the Mongols in 1227 AD. Most of its written records and architecture were destroyed, and the origins and history of the empire remained obscure until Chinese and Western research in the 20th-century.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on Western Xia?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia