This hall recounts the history of the ancient states that existed in the territory of Mongolia. Since the establishment of the first state in the region during the 3rd century BC, nomadic peoples have successively founded and maintained their own states. These ethnic groups traversed a path of constant rivalry and conflict, subjugating others when they rose to power and falling under foreign domination when their strength waned. Following the Xiongnu Empire, the Xianbei and Rouran peoples established their own states.
From the mid-6th century to the late 9th century AD, Turkic peoples—such as the Turks, Uyghurs, and Kyrgyz—held sway over the region. In the early 10th century AD, the Khitan (Qidan)—a people of Mongol and Tungusic origin—established their own state. The National Museum of Mongolia houses hundreds of fascinating artifacts that illustrate the history, culture, economy, and customs of these nomadic peoples. The exhibition hall dedicated to the history of Mongolia's ancient states is divided into the following sections: