The Master of Demon Gorge: A Chinese History Podcast The Xiongnu or the Hun? From China to Rome to Ancient Egypt
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Aug 30, 2021 Joseph de Guignes, a French scholar known for linking the Xiongnu to the Huns, and Edward Gibbon, the famed historian of the Roman Empire's decline, dive into riveting historical debates. They discuss whether the Xiongnu of China and the Huns of Europe are one and the same, and explore unexpected theories, including a wild connection between ancient China and Egypt. The conversation also tackles the consequences of refugee crises in history, shedding light on modern parallels and the evolving nature of historical narratives.
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Origins of the Xiongnu-Han Conflict
- The Xiongnu were a nomadic people on China's northern borderlands and fought the Han Dynasty for centuries.
- Their defeat by Han diplomacy and war led to their division and eventual migration away from China.
Huns' Appearance in Roman Records
- The Hun reported in Roman sources in 370 AD possibly descended from the Xiongnu driven westward by Chinese pressure.
- Their arrival in Europe disrupted Goths and shifted population movements, illustrating early global interconnections.
Goths Flee Huns, Clash With Rome
- The Goths fleeing from the fierce Huns crossed into Roman lands begging for refuge.
- Initial Roman refusal and abuse of these refugees led to rebellion and the disastrous Battle of Adrianople in 378 AD.