Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire was a large nation that exist in Eurasia from 1206 up until 1368. At its height it included Central Asia, China, Eastern Europe, Iran, the Middle East, and Mongolia. It was the largest contiguous empire in history, and the second largest total after the British Empire.

History

The Mongol Empire was founded in 1206 by Genghis Khan when he conquered the last of the Mongol tribes. He quickly embarked on several wars on neighboring powers such as the Jin Dynasty and the Kara Khitai Khanate. By his death in 1227, he owned all of Central Asia and much of China and Russia. His successor Ogedei Khan led the Mongols to their height. However, power struggles after his death led to the breakaway of many states off the empire. Kublai Khan managed to retain much territory and even conquer the rest of southern China, but the empire fractured after his death. In 1368, the Ming Dynasty reclaimed China and the Mongol Empire was finally gone.

Extent

The Mongol Empire included the modern day countries of Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, parts of Burma, China, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Moldova, Mongolia, southern Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, most of Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, and northern Vietnam.

Notable Rulers

Genghis Khan - Founder of the Mongol Empire, responsible for the conquests of much of Central Asia and northern China

Kublai Khan - Ruler during the longest period of expansion