The Liao Dynasty was a Chinese dynasty that ruled from the 10th to 12th centuries. It was founded by the Khitan people, a nomadic people of Central Asia, and was the first dynasty to rule over all of Manchuria. The Liao Dynasty was known for its military prowess and its cultural achievements, such as the development of a written language and the introduction of Buddhism to the region. The dynasty was eventually overthrown by the Jurchen people in 1125.