The Keraites are the most dominant tribe of the five major tribal confederations (khanlig) in the Mongolian plateau during the twelfth century.

As allies of Genghis Khan, the Khereid are influential in the rise of the Mongol Empire.

In the 11th century, they had converted to Nestorian Christianity and are a prime example of prominent Christians among the Mongols.The Kereid are located between the mountain ranges of Khangai and Khentii andare centered on the site of the present day city of Ulaanbaatar and in the willow groves of the Tuul River, to the west of the Khamag Mongol and to the east of the Naiman.The last ruler, Toghrul, gains fame as far away as Europe for his battles with Muslims, and several women from the Kereid clan become influential women in the Mongol court.

Sorghaghtani Bekhi, the younger daughter of Toghrul's brother Jakha Khambu, marries a son of Genghis Khan, and their four sons, including Great Khans Kublai Khan and Möngke Khan, beome prominent leaders of the Empire.