Hulugu

Hulugu
Hulugu Chanyu
Domain and influence of the Eastern Huns
Reignc. 96–85 BC
PredecessorQiedihou
SuccessorHuyandi
DynastyModu Chanyu
FatherQiedihou

Hulugu (Chinese: 狐鹿姑) was a chanyu of the Xiongnu Empire. He was the son and successor of Qiedihou and reigned from 96 to 85 BC.[1]

Hulugu originally did not want to become chanyu but was convinced to take the title by his brother.[1]

In the spring of 90 BC, Li Guangli and two other generals led a force of 79,000 against the Xiongnu. Li defeated a Xiongnu detachment 5,000 strong and another one 20,000 strong, but he overextended and his supplies ran out, exhausting his men and horses. The Xiongnu outpaced them and dug ditches across their line of retreat. When they tried to cross the ditches, the Xiongnu fell on them, routing the entire army. Li Guangli surrendered. The other Han generals Shang Qiucheng and Ma Tong managed to return safely.[2]

Li Guangli married Hulugu's daughter. About a year later, he was executed after having a conflict with Wei Lü (衛律), another Han defector who was favoured by the Chanyu.[1]

Hulugu died in 85 BC and was succeeded by his son Huyandi.[3]

  1. ^ a b c Loewe 2000, p. 169.
  2. ^ Whiting 2002, p. 171.
  3. ^ Loewe 2000, p. 749.