The Yuan Dynasty

The Mongols Rule China

The Song Dynasty ends and the Yuan Dynasty begins

• Song Dynasty = 960-1279• Yuan Dynasty = 1279-1368

The Yuan Dyansty =

Part of the Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire

The Yuan Dynasty - The Mongol control of China

The Backstory . . .

Mongols were nomadic peoples from the north of China – originally lived as separate tribes→in 1206 a powerful leader (khan) united them

↓He was given a new title . . . “Universal Ruler”

= Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan 1165-1227• illiterate• born to a noble family• 1207: set out to conquer an empire• The warrior:– an organizational & strategic genius– created one of the most highly disciplined &

effective armies in history– Led brutal, bloody attacks on Asia & E. Europe– G.K. & his men killed all of the men, women & kids

in countless cities & villages

Genghis Khan continued . . .• Within 20 years (after 1206) he ruled a large

part of Asia• 1st led his armies into China in 1211• His empire was religiously tolerant• Conquered more land than any other conqueror• Est. the largest, contiguous empire in history• By his death in 1227, all of northern China was

under Mongol control• G.K. died from internal injuries from a fall from

his horse while hunting

Mongol Warrior – Genghis Khan

Mongol Warrior – Genghis Khan

Mongol Warrior – Genghis Khan (movie scene)

Even though Genghis Khan died, his sons & grandsons continued to raid lands all over Asia and

E. Europe.

↓They left behind death & destruction

→→→→ Strenghths of the Mongols:1) armed horsemen2) fear of the Mongols3) highly trained & highly disciplined4) fearless5) Genghis Khan

Mongol Warrior – Genghis Khan

Mongol Warrior Kublai Khan - Genghis’ grandson

Mongol Warrior Kublai Khan – Genghis’grandson