The Founding Year of the Khitan Dynasty: A Textual Investigation Based on Primary Sources

Abstract This article is an investigation into the founding of Khitan empire based on a diverse collection historical documents from both Northern and Central Plains regions. These sources include official history Liao dynasty, Liaoshi , written during year dynasty’s foundation in 907, Qidan guo zhi 916, as well variety ranging early late 8th century to mid 10th century. Some historians go far say that Yelü Abaoji, who ruled dynasty 907–926, never assumed title emperor. Although today’s scholarship tends fundamentally agree known books Taizu, first emperor officially proclaimed with himself Shence no one has yet undertaken proper details source material which led this assumption. primary research investigates these critical pieces evidence surrounding better clarify events major moment.