Wang Shan Family and the Non-Noble Ethnic Generals of the Late Northern Song Dynasty along the Northwestern Frontier
Similar to the ethnic generals of the Tang Dynasty,the ethnic generals of the Northern Song Dynasty can be divided into noble tribal leaders and non-noble civilian officers based on their relationship with the tribes.By examining the case of Wang Shan family,we can discern the characteristics of the Song Dynasty's non-noble ethnic generals.The Wang Shan family originated from grassroots archer family under the control of Ningyuan Stockade in Qinzhou,and arised during Xihe Frontier Expansion.Their distinct social background,compared to that of noble tribal leaders,led to a higher level of sinicization and a tendency to obscure their ethnic minority origins.The faded ethnic identity of these non-noble ethnic generals makes their tribal origins less recognizable,which may result in an underestimation of the ethnic elements within the Northern Song military.Besides,they are heavily reliant on the state system,which makes them more vulnerable during political upheavals.
the Northern Song DynastyNon-Noble Ethnic GeneralsWang Shan FamilyThe Epitaph of Wang Bo Shi
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