Kara-Khitai

Kara-Khitai was an empire in Kazakh steppe and Semirechye (Central and North Asia) that lasted from 1124 to 1218 CE, about 94 years. Its people spoke Mongolic languages (Mongol, Khitan, Oirat).

Founded by Yelü Dashi, a Khitan prince who fled west when the Jurchens destroyed the Liao. It beat the Seljuks at Qatwan in 1141 and ruled Central Asia until the Naiman prince Kuchlug usurped it and the Mongols took it in 1218.

See Kara-Khitai on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates: 1124 to 1218 CE
Duration: 94 years
Type: Empire
Region: Kazakh steppe and Semirechye, Central and North Asia
Language family: Mongolic
Capital: Balasagun

Came from

Liao dynasty 916 to 1125 CE

Became

Mongol Empire 1206 to 1368 CE

Events in Central and North Asia during its time

1141 Battle of Qatwan
1206 Temujin proclaimed Genghis Khan

Neighbours in Central and North Asia

Mongol Empire 1206 to 1368 CE
Uyghur Kingdom of Qocho c. 843 to 1335 CE
Kara-Khanid Khanate c. 840 to 1212 CE
Liao dynasty 916 to 1125 CE
Khwarazmian Empire 1077 to 1231 CE
Seljuk Empire (Khorasan) 1037 to 1157 CE
Yenisei Kyrgyz c. 550 to 1207 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
Holy Roman Empire 962 to 1806 CE, Europe
Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
Abbasid Caliphate 750 to 1258 CE, Middle East
Chola Empire 848 to 1279 CE, South Asia

Questions

When did Kara-Khitai exist?

1124 to 1218 CE, about 94 years.

Where was Kara-Khitai?

Kazakh steppe and Semirechye, in Central and North Asia. Its capital was Balasagun.

What language did Kara-Khitai speak?

Mongolic. This family includes Mongol, Khitan, Oirat.

What came before Kara-Khitai?

Liao dynasty.

What came after Kara-Khitai?

Mongol Empire.