The Mohe (靺鞨, Korean: Malgal, 말갈), were a Tungusic tribe in ancient Manchuria. They are sometimes considered the ancestors of modern-day Manchus. According to some records, they originally dwelt near the Liao River and later migrated southward. According to Chinese records, they were governed by the Fuyu (Korean: Buyeo) kingdom, but broke free during the Chinese Three Kingdoms period. They subsequently became an autonomous state. They were involved in the early history of the Three Kingdoms period of Korea. The records of Baekje and Silla during the 1st century and 2nd century AD include numerous battles against the Mohe.
The Mohe were divided into various tribes, the most powerful of which was the Sumo Mohe . The Sumo Mohe were eventually conquered by Goguryeo, and the other Mohe tribes by Sui Dynasty China. Many Mohe moved back toward their northern homeland in this period.
The Mohe also participated in the later kingdom of Bohai or Balhae, 698-926. The founder of Bohai, Da Zuorong (大祚榮), was a former Goguryeo general of Sumo Mohe stock. After the fall of Bohai, few historical traces of the Mohe can be found. They might have risen again later with another name, the Jurchens.
See also
Last updated: 10-11-2005 04:46:16
