Empress Dowager Xiao vs Mengli I Giray

Empress Dowager Xiao became regent for her young son, Yelu Longxu, after the death of her husband, Yelu Xian. She effectively ruled the Liao dynasty for over 20 years, directing military campaigns and administrative reforms.

Empress Dowager Xiao implemented administrative reforms that strengthened the Liao bureaucracy, including the promotion of Chinese-style governance and the integration of Khitan and Chinese officials. These reforms improved state efficiency and stability.

Empress Dowager Xiao personally led Liao forces in a major invasion of Song territory, reaching the outskirts of the Song capital. The campaign ended with the Treaty of Shanyuan, which she negotiated, securing Liao's dominance in the north.

Mengli I Giray formed a strategic alliance with Ivan III of Moscow against the Great Horde, the remnant of the Golden Horde. This alliance was formalized through treaties and mutual military support, reshaping the power balance in Eastern Europe.

Mengli I Giray's Crimean forces, with Muscovite support, attacked and destroyed Sarai, the capital of the Great Horde. This effectively ended the Great Horde as a major power and eliminated a common enemy for the Crimean Khanate and Muscovy.

Mengli I Giray led a large-scale raid into the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the Kingdom of Poland. The Crimean forces plundered the region, capturing many slaves. This raid was part of the ongoing conflict with Lithuania and demonstrated Crimean military power.