An Lushan of Sogdian father and Göktürk mother adopted An surname from stepfather. Spoke six non-Chinese languages, served as interpreter in military markets. Rose from sheep thief to general by flattering Han superiors. Gained Emperor Xuanzong's favor through obesity jokes and pretending barbarian ignorance. Appointed military governor of three circuits with 8,000 elite non-Han Yeluohe troops. Pillaged Khitan and Xi tribes, executed their princesses married to them. Requested replacing 32 Han generals with non-Han ones, approved despite warnings. Rebels from Fanyang in 755 claiming secret edict against Yang Guozhong. Captures Luoyang, proclaims Yan emperor, executes Tang royals. Rebellion lasts to 763, kills 13 million, census drops 36 million. Remains in palace, grows blind, paranoid, obese, crushes horse with weight. Murdered by eunuch and son An Qingxu amid infighting. Shi Siming buries him as prince not emperor with name meaning unthinking. Non-Han origins and troops key to rapid rise and power. Rivaled Han chancellors Yang Guozhong and Geshu Han. Ignored summons, executed critics, built personal army of barbarians. Tang falls into chaos, Xuanzong flees, Yang Guifei killed.