秦、西汉时期匈奴单于位继承制度考辨

匈奴单于位的继承制度是一个非常庞杂的系统 ,但仍有章可循 :在呼韩邪单于之前 ,它的主干是长子继承制 ,同时 ,它需要兄终弟及以及叔继侄位、侄继叔位等方式的补充。兄终弟及以及叔继侄位、侄继叔位等虽然只在特殊情况下才得以实行 ,但却是不可缺少的组成部分 ,它们在长子继承受阻碍时承担衔接和纽带功能。

A Study of the Succession System of Chanyu among the Xiongnu during the Dynasties of Qin and Western Han

The succession system of Chanyu among the Xiongnu was a very complicated one. Still, there were certain rules to follow. Before the reign of Chanyu Huhanye, it was mainly the succession by the eldest son, coupled as supplement with that by the uncle or nephew. The succession by the brother, as well as that by the uncle or nephew, was practiced only under some extraordinary conditions. As a necessary component part, it served for the successive function when the regular way of succession by the eldest son failed to work.