Modu Chanyu

Modu Chanyu
Hunnu Chanyu
Reign	209–174 BC
Predecessor	Touman
Successor	Laoshang
Born	c. 234 BC Modern-day Mongolia
Died	174 BC
Dynasty	Maodun
Father	Touman

Modu Chanyu (simplified Chinese: 冒顿单于; traditional Chinese: 冒頓單于; pinyin: Màodùn Chányú, Mongolian: Модунь, Modun; Баатар, Baatar), sometimes also transcribed as Maodun) who was born in circa 234 BC and died in 174 BC, was the fourth known Xiongnu ruler and the founder of the Xiongnu Empire. He became the Xiongnu ruler after he ordered the execution of his father Touman in 209 BC.

Modu ruled from 209 BC to 174 BC. He was a military leader under his father Touman, and later the Chanyu and king of the Xiongnu, centered in modern-day Mongolia. Once he had secured the throne, he established a powerful Xiongnu Empire by successfully unifying the tribes of the Mongolian steppes and hence posed an imminent threat to the Chinese Qin Dynasty. His Xiongnu Empire was one of the largest of his time – the eastern border stretched as far as the Liao River, the western borders of the empire reached the Pamir Mountains, whilst the northern border reached Lake Baikal.

He was succeeded by his son Laoshang Chanyu.

Several scholars have suggested the reconstructed Middle Chinese pronunciation of Mòdùn (冒頓) is IPA: [mək-twən]. His name is also written as Motun in some sources. Ultimately, the Old Chinese pronunciation might have represented the pronunciation of the foreign word *baγtur, a relative of the later attested Central Eurasian culture word baγatur ‘hero’. The etymology of this word is uncertain, although the first syllable is very likely the Iranian word *baγ ‘god, lord’, which is an element in the titles of many later Central Eurasian people. Clauson claims the word to be an original Xiongnu name/title.

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