A nomadic people who at the end of the 3rd century BC formed a great tribal league that was able to dominate much of Central Asia for more than 500 years. They appeared in historical records about 500 BC. China's wars against the Hsiung-nu, who were a constant threat to the country's northern frontier throughout this period, led to the Chinese exploration and conquest of much of Central Asia. This pastoral people wore bronze plaques decorated with animals as harness and belt ornaments.