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.
Xunyu
Chinese annals contain a number of references to the "Xunyu". The earliest authors were Sima Qian (c. 145 or 135 BC – 86 BC), Ying Shao (AD 140-206), Wei Zhao (204-273), and Jin Zhuo (c. late 3rd or 4th century). Without citing any arguments, they claimed that "Xunyu" or "Xianyun" were names that designated nomadic people who during the Han dynasty were called "Xiongnu" (匈奴). That view was also held by the Tang dynasty commentator Sima Zhen (c. 8th century).