China & TibetAsia

Liao dynasty

Also known as Khitan Empire

916 CE – 1125 CE · about 209 years

The Liao dynasty was founded by the Khitan people in Manchuria, Mongolia and northern China. Its name Khitai is the origin of "Cathay". It was conquered by the Jurchen Jin in 1125.

Key facts

Dates	916 CE – 1125 CE
Region	China & Tibet
Continent	Asia
Capital	Shangjing
Founder	Abaoji (Emperor Taizu of Liao)
Religion(s)	Buddhism, Tengrism
Peak extent	≈ 2.6 million km² (c. 947 CE) – source

Before & after

Preceded by

Tang dynasty Balhae

Followed by

Jin dynasty (Jurchen) Western Xia Qara Khitai

Sources

Wikipedia – Liao dynasty
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

Dates follow widely used reference works; many ancient dates are approximate or debated. Neutral summary for general reference.