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Early History
Home » China » Beijing - History and Overview » Early HistoryArcheological evidence has indicated cities existed in Beijing’s vicinity as long ago as 1000 B.C. In 936 A.D. the Khitan Mongol Dynasty established a sizeable town in the area to serve as its capital. Two years later the Lio Dynasty set up their own town, dubbing it “Nanjing,” translating southern capital.
The Jurchen Jin Dynasty seized the city in 1125 and renamed it “Zhongdu” or central capital. Mongols burned the city in 1215 and rebuilt what was the beginning of modern Beijing. Though not completely substantiated, history seems to indicate the powerful Mongolian leader Kublai Khan wanted to establish a power base in the area to remain close to his home turf, while still in reach of making a bid to become the Chinese emperor. His efforts can be seen in the remains of Mongolian walls still standing in Beijing today.
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