-
1260
Kublai Khan takes the throne
Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan, took the role of the "Great Khan" in 1290. He focused on expanding his territory over all of China. -
1274
Kublai fails to invade Japan for first time
The Great Khan tried to invade Japan, sending huge fleets and armies. Japan fought off his efforts. -
1275
Marco Polo arrives in Khan's court
Marco Polo was a famous Venetian trader who knew many Asian languages from his travels. Kublai employed him for government missions for 17 years. -
1279
Kublai Khan conquers China
Kublai achieves his grandfather's lifelong dream by conquering the entirety of China in 1279. No foreigner had ever surpassed and ruled China before. -
1281
Kublai fails to invade Japan for second time
The second time Kublai attempted to take over Japan, a typhoon destroyed his entire fleet. -
1292
The Polos leave China
The Polo family left China to make the long journey back to Venice. -
1294
Kublai Khan dies
His dynasty began to fade as family members argued over who would succeed him. -
1368
Rebels overthrow Mongol rule
This ends the Yuan dynasty.