Empress Xiao Yanyan

Who was Empress Xiao Yanyan?

Xiao Yanyan was a Khitan empress of ancient China's Liao Dynasty. Her Chinese name was Xiao Chuo. She married Emperor Jingzong of Liao. At his death in 982, she became regent for her son Emperor Shengzong. She was formally referred to as Empress Dowager Chengtian.

She commanded her own army of 10,000 cavalry which she stayed at the head of until she was over the age of sixty. Song Dynasty troops attacked the Liao in 986, but they were pushed back and later defeated in 989. She was known for her great skills in civil administration and retained great influence until her death.