The Merkit (literally "skillful/wise ones"; Mongolian: ᠮᠡᠷᠬᠢᠳ ; Мэргид, romanized: Mergid; simplified Chinese: 蔑儿乞; traditional Chinese: 蔑兒乞; pinyin: Miè'erqǐ) was one of the five major tribal confederations (khanlig) of probably Mongol or Turkic origin. in the 12th century Mongolian Plateau. The Merkits lived in the basins of the Selenga and lower Orkhon River (modern south Buryatia and Selenge Province). After a struggle of over 20 years, they were defeated in 1200 by Genghis Khan and were incorporated into the Mongol Empire.