Mete Han (Modu Chanyu) Crowned as Emperor of Xiongnu

Mete Han – also known as Modu, Maodun and Bagatur – was the son of Tumen (Teoman), the first chieftain in the Eurasian Steppes who managed to united all nomadic tribes of the Altai-Baikal region in and around Mongolia under one banner. While Mete was growing up to become a formidable fighter and getting popular among his tribesmen, Tumen started to see him as a threat and wanted to get rid of him. But Mete found a way out of his father's ruse and returned with a vengeance. He trained an army so loyal that at the blink of an eye they completely annihilated Tumen's forces and family, and killed him. Now, the way was clear for Mete to assume his father's throne and become Chanyu – Emperor – of the so-called Xiongnu. Henceforth, he ruled with an iron fist. But he also became the most successful nomadic ruler of all time, bringing the legendary Chinese Han Dynasty to its knees at the Battle of Baideng in 200 BCE. Mete knew his boundaries, though, and through clever diplomacy and economic actions managed to maintain the first steppe empire in history for nearly four decades.

This scene depicts the coronation of Mete Han as Chanyu. The ceremony takes place inside a yurt, with a golden throne in front of Mete. Surrounded by the chieftains of the many Xiongnu tribes, he is ready to become new ruler.