Yuan Dynasty Mongol Empire 1279 1368 1 st

Yuan Dynasty Mongol Empire 1279 -1368 1 st Foreign Dynasty

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

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

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.

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:

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 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.

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.