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History of the Liao dynasty

Sedentary Chinese looked down on the nomadic or forest-dwelling peoples, but these northerners extracted tribute and ruled increasing proportions of China.

Traditional Chinese historians depict these people as illiterates who eagerly sought to learn Chinese ways.  In reality they chose and modified elements of Chinese civilization. (Hansen 299)  Invading dynasties did find the political and economic systems of China to be highly suitable.

continue to the history of the Jin