Overview
Yelü Zhilugu, son of Yilie, was the last Khitan ruler of the Kara Khitai. Chinese histories call him only the 'last ruler'. His long reign saw the vassal system break down as Khwarazm and the Mongols rose on either side.
Rise to Power
He was placed on the throne in 1178 after the killing of his aunt Pusuwan.
Rule and Achievements
- Kept Khwarazm as a tributary under Tekish, though payments became irregular
- In 1208 gave refuge to Kuchlug, the Naiman prince fleeing Genghis Khan, and married him to his daughter
- Lost the Uyghurs of Qocho, who went over to the Mongols in 1209, and lost Samarkand and Transoxiana to the Khwarazmshah Muhammad II, who defeated his army in 1210
Legacy
In 1211 Kuchlug captured him while he was hunting and took power, leaving him the honour of retired emperor. He died in 1213.