Key terms
It was during the reign of Kublai Khan that the Italian Marco Polo traveled to
China. Marco Polo was a famous merchant and explorer. At about the age of
seventeen he left Venice with his father and uncle. After three years of difficult
travel they arrived in China. Kublai Khan was impressed with the young Marco
Polo. He employed Polo as his special representative. Polo traveled around
China for 17 years and became famous. In his book The Travels of Marco Polo,
The fiercest Mongol leader of all time was Genghis Khan, who lived from about
1162 to 1227. Originally named Temujin, he took the title Genghis Khan,
meaning “Universal Ruler,” in 1206. He went on to create an immense empire.
In the early 1200s, Mongols under Genghis Khan swept down from Karakorum,
their capital. They captured the city now called Beijing and named it Khanbalik
In 1260 Kublai Khan was given the title of Great Khan. He was recognized as the
head of the whole Mongol Empire. He adopted many Chinese ways and
introduced Chinese ceremonies to his court. He also relied on Chinese officials
in the lower and middle ranks of the government. Kublai Khan built two
palaces, one in Mongolia and one near Beijing. Grandson of Genghis khan.
Genghis Khan, who lived from about 1162 to 1227. Originally named Temujin, he
took the title Genghis Khan, meaning “Universal Ruler,” in 1206.
Frightened Europeans called the Mongolian invaders the Golden Horde. This
name referred to the gold color of the Mongol tents in the sun. The Mongols
soon left Poland and Hungary. They controlled Russia, however, for almost 200
years.
Another grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu, invaded Europe around 1240. His
troops swept across Russia, Poland, and Hungary to the outskirts of Vienna. They
plundered city after city, either killing the inhabitants or taking them as slaves.
Called the Yuan dynasty, it covered northern China, with its capital at Beijing. In
1279 Yuan forces defeated the Sung dynasty in southern China. The Yuan ruled
China until 1368.
Asian people known as mongols
Mongols influenced China in several ways. They brought greater contact with
Europe. They made local governments more responsible to the central
government in Beijing. Mongols captured the city now called Beijing and
named it Khanbalik (kahn·buh·LEEK)
A desert that was bordered by Manchuria, the great wall.
In the early 1200s, Mongols under Genghis Khan swept down
from Karakorum, their capital
The Mongols lived north of China in the rugged steppe region now called
Mongolia. Although they were never a numerous people, the Mongols’ culture
encouraged the skills of battle.
The Huang River flooded, destroying crops and causing famine. Rebellions
sprang up.
Polo traveled around China for 17 years and became famous. In his book The
Travels ofMarco Polo, he described Kublai Khan’s court to his fellow Europeans
HIS FAMOUS BOOK
At its height, the Mongol army had about 100,000 cavalry. Mounted warriors
enjoyed a great advantage over foot soldiers.Mongol cavalry could cover up
to 100 miles in a day.
title Genghis Khan, meaning
“Universal Ruler,” King Louis IX of France and the pope in Rome both sent
ambassadors to China.