Emperor Taizu of Jin
A Jurchen chieftain who shattered the mighty Liao dynasty and forged the Jin empire, redrawing the map of northern China.
1068–1123 (age 55)·Emperor of Jin from 1115 to 1123·Birthday: August 1
Biography
Born Aguda, the man who would become Emperor Taizu began as a chieftain of the Wanyan tribe, subjects of the powerful Khitan-led Liao dynasty. He saw weakness in his overlords and possessed a unifying vision for the disparate Jurchen peoples. In 1114, he ignited a rebellion, melding tribal forces into a disciplined army that exploited Liao complacency. Declaring himself emperor the following year, he founded the Jin, or 'Golden', dynasty. His military genius was swift and decisive; by his death, the Jin had captured the Liao capital and controlled most of its territory, establishing a new regional power that would soon challenge the Song dynasty of China itself. Taizu's legacy is that of a nation-builder who transformed a federation of tribes into an imperial force.
#1 When Emperor Was Born
The biggest hits of 1068
Emperor's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1068Born
1073Started school
1081Became a teenager
1084Could drive
1086Could vote
1089Turned 21
1098Turned 30
1108Turned 40
1118Turned 50
1123Died at 55
Key Achievements
- United the previously fragmented Jurchen tribes under a single leadership and military command.
- Successfully rebelled against and overthrew the centuries-old Liao dynasty, a major regional power.
- Founded the Jin dynasty in 1115, establishing a new imperial system and administration.
- Led military campaigns that captured the Liao Supreme Capital and secured most of its former territory.
Did You Know?
The name 'Jin' (Golden) was chosen to signify superiority over the earlier 'Liao' (Iron) dynasty.
He is credited with creating the first writing system for the Jurchen language.
His sinicised imperial name, Taizu, means 'Grand Progenitor', a title typically given to dynastic founders.
“The Liao are corrupt and weak; the time has come for the Jurchen to rise.”
