07/03/2024
After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227, the Mongol Empire continued to grow and expand, eventually becoming the largest contiguous land empire in history. His third son, Ögedei Khan, took over and ruled the Mongol Empire from 1227 to 1241. Under Ögedei, the Mongol Empire conquered Eastern Europe, including Russia, Hungary, Volga Bulgaria, Poland, Dalmatia, and Wallachia. However, after Ögedei's death, there were disputes over succession which weakened the central government. The empire began to fragment as the central government in China weakened. The Yuan Dynasty, established by Kublai Khan, fell in 1368.
The Mongol Empire was divided into four distinct quadrants after Genghis Khan's death:
- The Golden Horde in Russia, established by Genghis Khan’s grandson Batu.
- The Moghul Empire in India under his second son Chaghatai.
- The Ilkhanate in Persia and Iraq governed by Tolui’s son Hulegu Khan.
- The Yuan Dynasty in China.
Despite the fragmentation, the rulers of many Asian states claimed descent from Genghis Khan and his captains. The most enduring part of the Mongol Empire proved to be the Golden Horde, although it began to decline significantly in the mid-14th century.
Please note that the name Genghis Khan is pronounced as Chinghis Khan.