Eurasian steppeAsia

Xiongnu Empire

209 BCE – c. 91 CE · about 300 years approximate dates

The Xiongnu were a confederation of nomadic peoples on the Mongolian steppe who built the first great steppe empire under Modu Chanyu. They were the main rivals of Han China, which eventually defeated and divided them.

Key facts

Dates	209 BCE – c. 91 CE
Region	Eurasian steppe
Continent	Asia
Founder	Modu Chanyu
Religion(s)	Tengrism
Peak extent	≈ 9 million km² (c. 176 BCE) – source

Before & after

Followed by

Xianbei state

Sources

Wikipedia – Xiongnu
Wikipedia – List of largest empires

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