The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire

Post-Classical Era

Period: Jan 1, 600 to Jan 1, 1450

Theme

Nov 22, 600

Theme 2: Poilitical

Thesis

Nov 22, 600

Although during the Post-Classical Period, the Mongol empire continued to expand and increase its strength and power since the time Temujin created his first alliance in 1178 CE, there was also change over time because starting in 1260 CE, the empire started lsoing its power until it was no more.

Temujin is Born

Jan 1, 1162

When he was born in 1162, the Mongol tribes were sparated from each other and were constanty fighting. There was no unity what so ever. At age 16, Temujin made a promise with a woman named Borte's father to marry Borte. However, he was captured by the Tayichiuds and put into slavery but escaped and returned home after 7 years. He married Borte. This is continuity because Temujin kept his promise and continued with the marrige even ater his capture.

Temujin forms alliance with Ong Khan

Nov 22, 1178

Borte's father gave Temujin a waluable fur coat as a wedding present. Temujin then proceeded to give that coat to a man named Torghil, or Ong Khan. ong was the leader of the powerful Kereyid trribal confederacy. This showed that Temujin acknowledged him as a father figure which formed his first major alliance. This is change over time because this is when Temujin first started trying to unite the tribes of the steppe.

Temujin Orders New Reform

Nov 22, 1203

Temujin, now commanding about 80,000 men in his army, ordered a reform that radicaly transformed the steppe of Central Asia. This reform broke down the traditional clan- and lineage-based divisions. Unlike how the traditional steppe leaders surrounded themselves with their family, Temujin surrounded himself with advisors based on talent and proven loyalty. This is change over time because the tribes of the steppe had never been ruled that way.

Temujin Conquers Every Tribe on the Steppe

Nov 22, 1204

After requesting a marriage between his eledest son Jochi, and Ong Khan's daughter, Ong set up an ambush and tried to kill Temujin. Temujin came out victorious and conquered Ong's land and every other tribe on the steppe. This is change over time because this was the first time every tribe on the steppe had been united and Temujin became known as Genghis Khan.

Jurchen Emperor Demands Tribute and Gets Conquered

Nov 22, 1210

A new, young Jurchen emperor snet a delegation to the Mongol steppe demanding tibute and a display of submission. Genghis defied in a way that was a considered an act of war. The Mongols secured an alliance witht the Tangut king and attacked and defeated the Jurchen empire in 1215. This is continuity because Genghis Khan continued conquering as many other tribes and kingdoms as he could.

Genghis Dies and Ogodei Becomes Heir

Nov 22, 1227

While in his midsixties, Genghis Khan died. Before his death he had to choose his successor. After careful thought, he chose his 3rd son, Ogodei. Ogodei started spending the empire's money as soon as he took office. By 1235, almost all of the empire's wealth was gone. He also attacked Europe and China at the same time. He failed in China but succeeded in Eruope. This is continuity because Ogodei continued attempting to conquer lands and expand the empire.

Invading Russia

Nov 22, 1240

After invading parts of eastern Europe, the Mongols proceeded to invaded and destroy parts of Russia, including Kiev. They were described as a cloud of locusts and their calvary included fire-spitting dragons. This is continuity because the Mongols keep expanding their empire and destroying any civilization in their way.

Death of the Great Khan and Creation of Another

Nov 22, 1241

Late in 1241, Ogodei unexpectedly died and his brother's death followed shortly after. Mongke and Batu withdrew from Europe and returned to the steppe. Mongke became the next Great Khan in 1251 and sent his brothers to expand the empire once again. This shows continuity because the familial line of Genghis Khan continued to succeed one another and rule the empire and expand it even further.

Baghdad

Feb 5, 1258

Afte a week of flooding and bombardment, Hulegu breached the eastern wall of Baghdad. Days later, they capitulated the caliph. Baghdad was looted and sacked while bodies piled up in the streets. The MOngols had accomplished in 2 years, what the Cristians had failed to do in 2 centuries. They brought down the caliphate. This is continuity because the Mongols returned to the Middle East, conquered more land, and kiled more people.

Death of a Brother

Nov 22, 1260

The Mongol drive westward ceased when Hulegu's forces were defeated in Ayn al-jalut by the Mamluks. Shortly before, Hulegu learned of his brother Mongke's death. Since Hulegu had no intention of becoming the next Great Khan, his other brother Kublai succeeded Mongke. This shows continuity because of te continuation of the Khan family's rule of the empire.

Defeat of the Song and Death of ANother Khan

Nov 22, 1260

Mongke was getting tired of Kubla's inability to invade and conquer southern China, under the control of the Song dynasty. Therefore, he took the conquest into his own hands. Almost 2 decades before the campaign was completed, Mongke Khan died. This was followed by the quarreling of Kublai and Arik Boke. Eventually, Arik Boke submitted to Kublai. This is continuity because the Khan's continued to conquer land and succeed each other after death. The empire continued to flourish.

Defeat of the Song

Nov 22, 1276

In 1276, Hangzhou submitted to Mongol forces. Kublai found himself in control of China's greatest treasures, richest cities, and most flourishing ports. But most importantly, China's 110-120 million subjects. Kublai had accomplished his grandfather Genghis's dream. He had conquered China. This is continuity because Kublai and his ancestors, continued to work for their dream of conquering China and it came true. They ruled land from the Pacific to Vienna.

The End

Nov 22, 1368

Although the empire had begun a slow desintegration starting in 1260, the empire ceased to exist in 1368. The Mongol decline started due to internal struggles and a common feling of intolerance among the Mongol people. This is change over time becasue the empire began to lose power and decline until it was no more.