Chanyu

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/chanyu

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the title?Supreme political and military leader of the Xiongnu confederation
2. What is the period of prominence?Roughly 3rd century BCE to 1st century CE
3. Who was Modu Chanyu and why is he important?Modu Chanyu ruled around 209–174 BCE and built a strong army and government that helped the Xiongnu challenge China.
4. How did the Chanyu affect the Great Wall?The Chanyu’s attacks on China made the Han Dynasty build and strengthen the Great Wall to protect their borders.

Xiongnu Confederation: A powerful, multi-tribal nomadic empire that dominated the eastern Eurasian Steppe for centuries.
Pastoralism: An economic system based on raising livestock, requiring seasonal migration for grazing land.
Horse Archery: A highly effective military tactic combining equestrian skill with ranged combat, central to Xiongnu warfare.