# Altan Khan > leader of the Tümed Mongols **Wikidata**: [Q434393](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q434393) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altan_Khan) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/altan-khan ## Summary Altan Khan was a 16th-century leader of the Tümed Mongols, a prominent Mongol tribe. As a sovereign ruler, he played a significant role in the political and military dynamics of Inner Mongolia during his lifetime (1507–1582/1583). His leadership and influence extended across the Mongol regions, shaping interactions with neighboring powers, including the Ming Dynasty of China. ## Biography - **Born**: 1507 (exact place not specified in source material) - **Nationality**: Mongol (citizenship: Mongolia) - **Occupation**: Leader of the Tümed Mongols (sovereign ruler) - **Known for**: Leading the Tümed Mongols and influencing regional politics in Inner Mongolia - **Field(s)**: Political leadership, military strategy ## Contributions Altan Khan is primarily recognized for his leadership of the Tümed Mongols, a key Mongol tribe during the 16th century. His rule spanned from 1507 until his death in 1582 or 1583, a period marked by significant interactions with the Ming Dynasty and other regional powers. While specific military campaigns or diplomatic achievements are not detailed in the provided source material, his role as a sovereign leader of the Tümed Mongols solidified his place in Mongol history. His influence extended into the broader context of Inner Mongolia, which later became an autonomous region of China in 1947. ## FAQs **Who was Altan Khan?** Altan Khan was a 16th-century leader of the Tümed Mongols, a prominent Mongol tribe. He served as a sovereign ruler, overseeing political and military affairs during a critical period in Mongol history. **When did Altan Khan live?** Altan Khan was born in 1507 and died in either 1582 or 1583. His leadership spanned much of the 16th century, a time of significant regional dynamics in Inner Mongolia. **What was Altan Khan's role in Mongol history?** As the leader of the Tümed Mongols, Altan Khan played a key role in shaping the political and military landscape of the region. His interactions with the Ming Dynasty and other powers were influential during his reign. **How is Altan Khan connected to Inner Mongolia?** Altan Khan's leadership of the Tümed Mongols occurred in the region that later became Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of China established in 1947. His rule contributed to the historical and cultural development of the area. ## Why They Matter Altan Khan's leadership of the Tümed Mongols was pivotal in the broader context of Mongol history during the 16th century. His role as a sovereign ruler influenced regional politics, particularly in interactions with the Ming Dynasty and other neighboring powers. Without his leadership, the political and military dynamics of the Tümed Mongols and the surrounding regions might have unfolded differently. His legacy is reflected in the historical narratives of Inner Mongolia, which later became an autonomous region of China. ## Notable For - Leader of the Tümed Mongols during the 16th century. - Sovereign ruler with significant influence over regional politics in Inner Mongolia. - Key figure in Mongol-Ming Dynasty interactions. - Historical significance in the development of Inner Mongolia as an autonomous region of China. ## Body ### Early Life and Background Altan Khan was born in 1507, though the exact location of his birth is not specified in the available source material. He belonged to the Tümed Mongols, a prominent Mongol tribe, and rose to become their leader. His early life details are sparse, but his eventual role as a sovereign ruler underscores his importance in Mongol history. ### Leadership and Political Influence Altan Khan's leadership of the Tümed Mongols spanned from his birth in 1507 until his death in 1582 or 1583. As a sovereign ruler, he oversaw the political and military affairs of his tribe, navigating complex relationships with neighboring powers, including the Ming Dynasty of China. His rule coincided with a period of significant regional dynamics, where Mongol tribes played crucial roles in the broader political landscape of East Asia. ### Regional Context: Inner Mongolia The region where Altan Khan exerted his influence later became known as Inner Mongolia, which was established as an autonomous region of China in 1947. His leadership contributed to the historical and cultural development of this area, shaping its interactions with other Mongol tribes and external powers like the Ming Dynasty. ### Legacy and Historical Significance Altan Khan's legacy is primarily tied to his role as a leader of the Tümed Mongols. His influence extended beyond his immediate tribe, impacting the broader Mongol political structure and regional dynamics. While specific military or diplomatic achievements are not detailed in the source material, his position as a sovereign ruler during a critical period in Mongol history solidifies his importance. His leadership is a key reference point in the study of Mongol history and the development of Inner Mongolia. ### Cultural and Historical References Altan Khan is also known by the alias "Sokpo Al Ten Gyalpo," reflecting his cultural and historical significance in Mongol traditions. His name and titles are referenced in various historical records and modern databases, including Wikidata and academic sources, which catalog his role and influence. ### Modern Recognition In contemporary contexts, Altan Khan is recognized in various databases and historical records, including Wikidata, where he is categorized as a leader of the Tümed Mongols and a sovereign ruler. His entries in these databases include identifiers such as P213 (000000006352817X), P214 (55509074), and P227 (123286646), among others, which help preserve his historical legacy in digital and academic formats. ## References 1. Buddhist Digital Archives 2. general catalog of BnF 3. BnF authorities 4. Integrated Authority File 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 6. Virtual International Authority File 7. [LIBRIS. 2012](https://libris.kb.se/katalogisering/xv8cghqg447ftbs)