the Xiongnu, a confederation of nomadic tribes that dominated Central Asia for two centuries beginning about 2,300 years ago.
Known as the Huns of Asia, the Xiongnu (or Hsiung-nu) were fierce warriors. They were among the first to use a stirrup as they rode into battle on harnessed horses, shooting arrows and spears—a style of warfare that enabled them to easily defeat Chinese armies who fought in chariots and on foot.