Jurchens

The Jurchens were a Tungusic-speaking people from northeastern China who lived around the 11th to 13th centuries. They unified under the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234) and established control over northern China, challenging existing Chinese empires like the Song Dynasty. Known for their skilled horsemen and archers, they adopted and adapted Chinese governance and culture during their rule. The Jin Dynasty eventually fell to the Mongols. Today, the Jurchen descendants are recognized as part of the Manchu people, who played a significant role in Chinese history by founding the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century.