Events Throughout Kublai Khan's Life

Kublai Khan's Birth

Sep 23, 1215

LIFE EVENT: The great Mongolian Emperor Kublai Khan is born. Nobody knew at the time but he would end up being one of the most powerful Mongolian Emperor to ever live. The year he was born was also the year the Great Khan conquered the city of Beijing. (Schlesinger 25)

Death of Genghis Khan

Aug 1, 1227

WORLD EVENT: The founder and the Great Khan of Mongolian Empire died during a campaign against the Chinese Kingdom of Xi Xia. His rule was then passed to his three sons and then eventually to his grandson Kublai Khan. Genghis Khan was a brutal and violent but an effective leader and controlled his empire well. His loss was a big one for the Mongolian Empire but it did bring great leaders that were his successors. (Facts About The Great Genghis Khan)

The Sixth Crusade

Jan 1, 1228

WORLD EVENT: The Sixth Crusade begins by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II because he wants control over Jerusalem. The emperor believed he inherited Jerusalem through marriage. He was also an excommunicated emperor from Pope Gregory IX.
(The Sixth Crusade)

Muslim Influence in Africa

Jan 1, 1250

WORLD EVENT: Due to the Muslim merchants coming to the 35 rich African port cities for trade thier Islamic ways begin to grow in Africa. Some merchants even stayed in Africa. In 1250 a Muslim Dynasty is established in Kilwa and other cities. Kilwa controls trade and is one richest cities in Africa because of its location. (Beck, Black, Krieger, Naylor and Shabaka 378-379)

Kublai's Coming to Power

Jun 1, 1260

LIFE EVENT: Kublai Khan's older brother (Mongke) passed away the Mongol assembly needed to elect a new leader for the empire. The assembly elected Kublai Khan as the successor of Mongke and new leader of the empire. But Kublai's brother disputed the election and said he was the Khan at Karakorum which started a war between the two brothers for power. ("Kublai Khan" 116)

Kublai is Officially Emperor

Jan 1, 1264

LIFE EVENT: The war between Kublai Khan and his brother Ariq Boke is officially over with Kublai Khan defeating his brother. This left nobody in the way of the crown for Kublai Khan and he now had complete control over the empire. This is the start of his amazing reign over the Mongolian Empire. ("Kublai Khan" 116)

The Start of The War

Jan 1, 1267

LIFE EVENT: Kublai Khan officially announced war against the Sung Dynasty and sent a letter to the Sung Emperor announcing he was going to war. He told the army and navy he controlled they were to go to war and be prepared to battle. This is significant because this declaration of war officially started the war which ended the Sung Dynasty and the beginning of Kublai Khan's greatest achievements. (Schlesinger 42)

The Defeat of Twin Cities

Jan 1, 1273

LIFE EVENT: Kublai Khan was looking to take over the Sung Dynasty and be the first non-Chinese ruler of the Sung Dynasty. He strategically attacked the sister cities Hsiang-yang and Fan-chieng. They are located on the Han River which is crutial to the Sung Dynasty's government and it is an important resource for these two cities. When Kublai Khan defeated these cities he had a big advantage gained for this victory. (Schlesinger 42)

China is United Under the Yuan Dynasty

Jan 1, 1276

LIFE EVENT: Even though Kublai Khan and the Mongols conquered the Sung Dynasty (which ruled over China) and then created the Yuan Dynasty in 1271. It still took the Yuan Dynasty five years to successfully unite China under one rule. When they did Kublai Khan incorporated Chinese people into some parts of the government. He even combined Mongol and Chinese aspects with every day life, laws and government styles/politics. Kublai Khan still used Mongol battle tactics in war. (Schlesinger 47)

The Year of Four Popes

Jan 1, 1276

WORLD EVENT: The four popes who were the popes during this year were Pope Gregory X, Pope Innocent V, Pope Hadrian V and Pope John XXI. The first pope was Pope Gregory X and he was then succeeded by Pope Innocent V who then becomes the 185th pope. He is succeeded by Pope Hadrian V and then he is succeeded by Pope John XXI. (Boorstin 1276)

Severe Punishments of 1278

Jan 1, 1278

WORLD EVENT: In the year of 1278 a horrible punishment resulting in death and fines of two groups of people. 278 Jews were hung in London for "financial exploitation" along with the Christian population as well but the Christians were only dealt a fine. The lucky Jews were put into prison in London. Even though the some of the Jewish population was coin clipping and counterfeiting, this punishment was a little harsh. (Boorstin 1278)

Kublai Khan Ends the Sung Dynasty

Feb 1, 1278

LIFE EVENT: A heated naval battle off the shores of Kwangtung was the site of Kublai Khan conquering the Sung Dynasty. This heated battle ended the 300 year rule of the Sung Dynasty ruiling over China. The Mongols and Kublai Khan killed the final Sung ruler named Ping. This is an amazing goal he reached because he not only was able to defeat the strong and powerful Sung Dynasty, but he also was the first ruler over China that was not Chinese. (Schlesinger 47)

Begining of the Yuan Dynasty

Jan 1, 1279

LIFE EVENT: After the amazing defeat over the Sung Dynasty of China, a new empire needed to be put into rule over China and Mongolian land. This new dynasty was called the Yuan Dynasty. Kublai Khan was the first Yuan emperor of this new dynasty which had a powerful army and government and alsowas feared by neighboring countries because of its strength. (Schlesinger 47-48)

Final Japan Attack

Jan 1, 1281

LIFE EVENT: After the first attack in 1274 which was a failure, Kublai sent his navy for another attack on Japan. These attacks were deafeated either by the Japanese destroying the Mongolian fleet or by freak storms that appeared at random. These attacks started because Kublai Khan asked for alliegiance and gifts from neighboring vassals. Korea and Annam listened but Japan refused. This caused the attacks on Japan from the Mongols. ("Kublai Khan" 117)

Kublai Khan's Death

Feb 18, 1294

LIFE EVENT: At the age of 78 years old the great Kublai Khan died. He passed away in his palace at Ta-tu. His huge influence in the Mongolian Empire and in ending the Sung Dynasty will make him be remembered as one of the great emperors of the world. (Schlesinger 107)