The Mongol Empire, founded by the legendary Genghis Khan in 1206, emerged from the vast Central Asian steppes. Over the course of the 13th and 14th centuries, it expanded to encompass an awe-inspiring expanse, stretching from the Sea of Japan to the Carpathian Mountains. Here are the key highlights of this remarkable era:
Origins and Growth:
Genghis Khan, born as Temüjin, rose to power when he was elected as the Genghis Khan of a federation of tribes along the Onon River. This federation included not only Mongol-speaking tribes but also other Turkic groups.
Before 1206, Genghis Khan was just one of several tribal leaders vying for supremacy in the steppe regions. His victories over the Kereit and Naiman Turks solidified his authority over what is now Mongolia.
A series of campaigns followed, leading to the initial conquests that shaped the empire.
Initial Conquests:
The first major campaign (1205-09) targeted the Tangut kingdom of Hsi Hsia (also known as Xi Xia), a northwestern border-state of China. The Xi Xia king eventually declared allegiance to the Mongols.
Subsequently, the Mongols turned their attention to north China, which was then ruled by the Tungusic Jin dynasty. The fall of Beijing in 1215 marked a significant turning point, as all territory north of the Huang He (Yellow River) came under Mongol control.
The Jin empire was reduced to a buffer state between the Mongols in the north and the Chinese Song empire in the south.
Peak Era:
At its zenith, the Mongol Empire covered an astonishing 9 million square miles (approximately 23 million square kilometers). It remains the largest contiguous land empire in world history.
The empire spanned from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Danube River and the shores of the Persian Gulf in the west.
The Mongols wielded a devastatingly effective army, characterized by fast, light, and highly coordinated cavalry.
The Mongol Empire’s impact reverberated across cultures, trade routes, and civilizations. Its legacy endures as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Genghis Khan and the nomadic tribes that reshaped the world map.
Негізгі бет Civilization EP23: Mongol Empire 's Peak Era - How did its army sweep across the world?
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