Liao, Western Xia, and Jin: A History of China, Volume 4

The Great Wall was breached across thousands of miles, strategic passes and vital strongholds were crossed, and the peoples beyond the frontier vied to water their horses in the Yellow River. Battles erupted across the Central Plains, iron hooves thundered, and the Song dynasty's splendor faded. The Khitan Liao, led by Yelu, swept all before them, establishing a mobile state with seasonal imperial camps. The Tangut Western Xia, under Li, maneuvered across the land, while their ancient royal tombs recalled a distant age of glory. The Jurchen of the northeast rose suddenly from mountains and wild marshes, destroyed the Liao, drove out the Song, and forged a hundred-year hegemony. Their courage and ferocity were alike, yet each land had its own distinctive character. The names of the Liao, Western Xia, and Jin shone side by side across the skies of history.