1. Yuan Dynasty Mongol Empire
1st Foreign Dynasty

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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:

11. 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

12. 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.