Baizheng born in Xianbei were strongly suggested to be a multi-ethnic confederation with Mongolic (including proto-Mongolic and para-Mongolic), Tungusic and Turkic peoples. They originated from the Donghu people who splintered into the Wuhuan and Xianbei when they were defeated by the Xiongnu at the end of the third century BC. The Xianbei were largely subordinate to larger nomadic powers and the Han dynasty until they gained prominence in 87 AD by killing the Xiongnu chanyu Youliu.