Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan Unites Mongol Tribes

1206

Genghis Khan, originally named Temujin, unites the Mongol tribes to form a large empire.

The Great Kahn's Rule

Period: 1206 to 1227

Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire which he ruled from 1206 until his death in 1227. Born Temujin, he acquired the title of Genghis Khan, likely meaning "universal ruler", after unifying the Mongol tribes.

Conquest of the Jin Dynasty

1234

The Mongols under Genghis Khan and his successors waged a campaign against the Jin Dynasty in northern China, eventually leading to its downfall.

Mongol Invasion of Europe

1242

Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, leads the Golden Horde in a series of invasions into Eastern Europe, reaching as far as Poland and Hungary.

Sack of Baghdad

1258

Hulagu Khan, another grandson of Genghis Khan, captured and sacked Baghdad, leading to the fall of the Abbasid Caliphate and a big blow to the Islamic world.

Battle of Ain Jalut

1260

The Mamluk Sultanate defeats the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut in modern-day Israel, marking the first major defeat of the Mongol army and halting their advance into the Middle East.

Establishment of the Yuan Dynasty

1271

Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, declares himself Emperor of China and establishes the Yuan Dynasty, which rules over China until 1368.

Failed Invasions of Japan

1274

Kublai Khan's attempts to invade Japan failed due to fierce resistance and severe storms, famously known as the "divine wind."

Fall of the Yuan Dynasty

1368

The Ming Dynasty overthrew the Yuan Dynasty, marking the end of Mongol rule in China. The Mongols retreatted to the steppes of Mongolia.

Battle of Kulikovo

1380

Russian forces led by Dmitry Donskoy defeated the Mongol Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo. This battle is viewed as a turning point in the weakening of Mongol influence over Russia.