Emperor Xiangzong of Western Xia
Emperor Xiangzong (襄宗) (1170–1211), born Li Anquan (李安全), was the 7th emperor of the Western Xia (reigned 1206–1211). He launched attacks on the Jin dynasty, but eventually surrendered to the Mongols and Genghis Khan.
| Emperor Xiangzong of Western Xia 西夏襄宗 | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor of the Western Xia dynasty | |||||||||
| Reign | 1206–1211 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Emperor Huanzong | ||||||||
| Successor | Emperor Shenzong | ||||||||
| Born | Li Anquan (李安全) 1170 | ||||||||
| Died | 1211 (aged 40–41) | ||||||||
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Reign
Li Anquan was a nephew of the Emperor Renzong. After the death of his father, Renyou, Li Anquan requested Huanzong to allow him inherit father's title. After Huanzong disagreed and bestowed upon him a title of Prince of Zhenyi commandery (镇夷郡王), Li Anquan has been harbouring an intention to seize the imperial throne. Emperor Xiangzong came into power after a coup d'état with his first cousin Huanzong's birth mother, Empress Luo against Huanzong.
Many historians regarded him as incompetent.
Xiangzong attacked the Jin dynasty, destroying the years of peace between these two countries. He tried to become an ally of the Mongol Empire, but Genghis Khan regarded Western Xia as a roadblock to China and repeatedly invaded Western Xia.
Eventually, Li Anquan surrendered to the Mongols, gave his daughter, Chaka, in marriage to Genghis, and paid tribute of camels, falcons, and textiles.[1]
In 1211, Xiangzong's nephew Lǐ Zūnxū initiated a coup d'état against Xiangzong and took power. Xiangzong died a month later.
Family
Father: Li Renyou (李仁友), Prince of Yue (越王)
Consorts and issue:
Daughter:
- Princess Chaha (察哈公主). Married Genghis Khan in 1209.
References
- Man, John (2004). Genghis Khan: Life, Death, and Resurrection. New York City: St. Martin's Press. p. 133. ISBN 9780312366247.