Were the ancient Turks and Chinese always adversaries? What difference did being part of a nomadic versus a sedentary society make? And were the Turks descendants of the Huns?

In the first season of 'The Rise of the Göktürks,' we explored how the Ashina dynasty, under Bumin and Istemi, united the Turkic peoples across Asia, becoming the lords of the steppes. But while Istemi, Bumin's brother and ruler of the Western Khaganate, experienced numerous adventures along the Silk Road, the rulers in the East faced significant challenges. The Rouran, former overlords of the Turks, were now fleeing from the Ashina dynasty. However, their attempts to convince the northern Chinese dynasties to support them against the Turks failed. The Western Wei, powerful allies of Bumin, even handed the Rouran over to the Göktürks.

As the Northern Qi aided the Rouran, trying to curb Göktürk power in the region, it became evident that both the Wei and Qi were descendants of the Tuoba clan of the Xianbei confederation. When Mukhan Khagan restored order, a new threat loomed: the Sui dynasty, uniting China for the first time since the Han dynasty, employing conspiracies and deceptions targeting the Ashina dynasty...

Join us as we delve into the intricate historical relationships and conflicts between the ancient Turks, Huns, and Chinese dynasties.