Tuotuo

Born into a prominent Mongol family of the Yuan dynasty, Tuotuo—also known as Toqto'a—rose to high office under the last Yuan emperor. He received a Confucian education and became known as an able administrator during a period of mounting unrest.

He played a major role in government reform and also led military efforts against the Red Turban rebellions. Court politics eventually turned against him, and after being dismissed and exiled, he died in the mid-1350s.

Tuotuo is especially remembered for his connection to the rapid compilation of the History of Liao, History of Jin, and History of Song, three of the official dynastic histories of China. That combination of political power and historical scholarship has made him one of the most notable officials of the late Yuan period.