Emperor Taizu of Liao vs Malcolm III Canmore

Abaoji, a Khitan chieftain, unified the Khitan tribes and proclaimed himself emperor, founding the Liao dynasty. This established the first major steppe-based dynasty to rule parts of northern China.

Emperor Taizu established a dual administration system, with separate institutions for Khitan and Chinese subjects. This allowed the Liao to effectively govern both nomadic and agricultural populations, a model later adopted by other conquest dynasties.

Emperor Taizu ordered the creation of a Khitan script, based on Chinese characters, to write the Khitan language. This script was used for official documents and inscriptions, promoting Khitan culture and administration.

Emperor Taizu led a campaign that conquered the Bohai Kingdom in Manchuria. This victory expanded Liao territory eastward and eliminated a rival state, securing the Liao's eastern frontier.

Emperor Taizu died during a campaign against the Bohai Kingdom. His death led to a succession struggle among his sons, but his son Yel

Malcolm Canmore killed Macbeth at the Battle of Lumphanan, ending Macbeth's reign. Malcolm then claimed the Scottish throne, though he faced opposition from Macbeth's stepson Lulach, whom he killed in 1058 to secure his position.

Malcolm launched a series of raids into northern England, exploiting the instability after the Norman Conquest. He invaded Northumbria in 1070 and again in 1079, but was forced to submit to William the Conqueror at the Treaty of Abernethy in 1072, becoming a vassal.

Malcolm married Margaret, an Anglo-Saxon princess who had fled to Scotland after the Norman Conquest. The marriage strengthened ties with the English church and nobility, and Margaret later became a saint. It also introduced English cultural and religious influences to the Scottish court.

Malcolm invaded England again and was killed at the Battle of Alnwick in Northumberland, along with his eldest son Edward. His death led to a succession crisis in Scotland, as his brother Donald III seized the throne, beginning a period of instability.