Xiongnu
The Xiongnu () were a confederation of nomadic peoples who, according to ancient Chinese sources, inhabited the eastern Asian Steppe from the 3rd century BC to the late 1st century AD. Chinese sources report that Modu Chanyu, the supreme leader after 209 BC, founded the Xiongnu Empire.
Su Wu
Little is known about Su's life or career other than his mission beyond the borders of China involving the Xiongnu, a mission which turned out to be drastically more trying and lengthy than expected.