Yuan Dynasty Mongol Empire 1279-1368 1st Foreign Dynasty

Genghis Khan means “Strong Ruler” First leader of the Mongols, came to power in 1206 in northern China. Conquered China

The Mongolian Empire was perhaps the largest empire in human history in terms of geographical expanse. According to myth…

The Mongols The Mongols lived in tribes north of China in Mongolia. The Mongols were expert horse-riders, learning to ride as young as 4 years old. In 1206 a young tribesman named Temujin was elected Genghis Kahn. codified Mongol laws (The “Great Yasa”) Mongols decimated populations in Western Asia and China When Temujin was sixteen years old, his wife Bortei was carried off in a raid by the Merkid tribe. He called upon his allies, the Kereyid tribe, and Jamugha, the leader of all the Mongol tribes, to help him recover her. The Merkids were defeated and Bortei was rescued. Temujin became the joint leader of the Mongols, along with Jamugha. However, they had a disagreement, and in the ensuing battle, Temujin was defeated and exiled. He returned ten years later and regained control of the Mongol tribes

Mongol Military The Mongol warriors became known for their cruelty and use of terror. The Mongol territory eventually expanded to become the world’s largest empire. If a town or city fought back, he laid siege to the town and, at its conclusion, would exterminate its inhabitants. When news of these tactics spread, Mongol armies easily and successfully took over towns that would surrender as soon as the Mongols showed their faces As a result of all these tactics, the Mongol armies spread across the landscape like wildfire. They marched inexorably south into Chin territory and west into Asia and even Europe

Genghis dies, but The Empire Grows Genghis fell from his horse while hunting, and died of internal injuries. Genghis Khan made the Mongol's the greatest military force ever known. His empire was divided among his four sons; but it would be his grandson that will be a wise and remembered ruler:

Grandson of Genghis Khan Set up the Yuan Dynasty Ruled most of China Kublai Khan Grandson of Genghis Khan Set up the Yuan Dynasty Ruled most of China

Kublai Khan Became the new ruler in 1260. Moved the capital to northern China to Khanbaliq which is today Beijing. Became China’s Emperor, starting the Yuan Dynasty. Yuan means “Beginning.” Considered one of the “Golden Ages” of China, perhaps the height of wealth and power.

Mongols had planned to keep their own culture Mongols as Rulers Mongols had planned to keep their own culture However, over time they began to adopt the more developed Chinese culture. The Mongols were culturally very different from the Chinese. This made ruling them very difficult. The Mongols and the Chinese spoke different languages, had a different form of dress and many different customs. These background differences proved impossible to overcome. Despite attempting to rule in a Chinese custom, Mongols and other foreigners were given all top government positions. Dynasty fell after Kublai Khan died Married Chinese princesses Dress in Chinese style Call themselves a dynasty

Mongols as Rulers The Mongols were tolerant of different religions and allowed Christians, Muslims, and Hindus to practice their faiths. It was during the Kublai Khan’s rule, that a European will be part of the Royal Court:

Marco Polo Went to China along the Silk Road Kublai Khan made him part of his Royal Court for 16 years. Polo learned much about Chinese civilization. He returned to Europe and wrote a book about his travels

Trade and Conquest Trade increased with Europe: Silver, spices, carpets and cotton were imported from Europe and other parts of Asia Tea, silk, porcelain, steel, gunpowder were exported. Conquest: The areas of Vietnam and northern Korea were conquered. Thousands of Koreans are made to build warships to launch attacks against Japan.