Sino-Xiongnu War - Aftermath

Aftermath

The Han victory in the campaign of 89 AD resulted in the destruction of the Xiongnu state. Between 89 to 91 AD, General Dou Xian initiated several punitive expeditions against the remaining hostile Xiongnu, causing them to subsequently flee westward. By 91 BC, the last remants of the Northern Xiongnu had migrated west towards the Ili River valley. The Southern Xiongnu—who had been situated in the Ordos region since about 50 AD—remained within the territory of the Han empire as semi-independent tributaries. They were dependent to the Han empire for their livelihood as indicated by a memorial from the Southern Chanyu to the Han court in 88 AD. Following the military successes against the Xiongnu, General Ban Chao was promoted to the position of Protector General and stationed in Kucha in 91 AD. At the remote frontier, Ban Chao reaffirmed absolute Han control over the Western Regions from 91 AD onwards.