CHIA SSU-TAO (1274)

Chinese statesman who achieved great power over the throne after his sister became a concubine of Emperor Li-Tsung.

In charge of Mongol affairs, he followed a policy of placating these Central Asiann tribes and has therefore traditionally been held responsible for the Mongol invasion of China in 1279, which led to the establishement of the foreign Yüan dynasty (1279-1368).

Chia has also been faulted for his total domination of the throne under Li Tsung´s successor, the emperor Tu Tsung.