The Uighurs, the Kyrgyz and the Tangut (eighth to thirteenth century)

These three tribal groups inhabited eastern Central Asia from the eighth to the thirteenth centuries, with the Uighurs and the Kyrgyz living in the northern plains and the Tangut settling in the south, around modern day Tibet. They had complicated relationships with each other and with the Chinese Empire, often trying to trade with China and become involved with Silk Road activities, whilst at other times invading the Empire and plundering it.  Inter-tribal relations could be aggressive too, with the Uighur and Tangut kingdoms vying for control of western China.