Misplaced Pages

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Kaz (talk | contribs) at 00:46, 28 August 2006. The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Chionite (OIONO/Xiyon/西戎/Hiun/Hion) became noted around 320 CE when they began to encroach upon the frontiers of Iran and their Kushan state. They arrived there as refugees from a failed coup when Jin Zhun overthrew Liu Can. This was when their state known in Chinese sources as Bei Han was replaced by the Former Zhao. They became better known as Kidarites from 360 AD after their leader Kidara established their only recorded dynasty. After their union with the Uar (Chinese: 滑) "White Huns", these Red Desert Huns under the Yuezhi Haital elite pushed into India where they became known as the Hunas.

Chionite campaigns are linked to a number of events of the political history of Central Asia during the second half of the 4th century AD until the mid 5th century AD. They fought against the Sassanians, and early 5th century Chionite (OIONO) coins imitate Sassanian drachmas.

Victories of Karakum Chionites during their campaigns in the Eastern Caspian lands are described by Ammianus Marcellinus: "Their new king Grumbat was already famous for "many victories". But notwithstanding the victories, the Chionites could not create a state union of some stability" .

See also

• Kidarite Kingdom
• Alchoni
• Hunas

• Eurasian nomads