Chanyu (also known as
Chan-yu and
Shanyu; ; short form for
Chengli Gutu Chanyu (; according to
Book of Han, it means Heaven, Child, Immense appearance)) was the title used by the nomadic supreme rulers of Middle and Central Asia for eight centuries and was superseded by the title "
Khagan" in 402 CE. The title was used by the ruling
Luandi clan of the
Xiongnu during the
Qin dynasty (221-206 BCE) and
Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE).