19. The Mongols - Terror of the Steppe (Part 2)

In this podcast episode, we explore the Mongol Empire's journey following Genghis Khan's death, focusing on the leadership of Ogedei, Mongke, and Kublai Khan. Ogedei initially achieved success and established Karakorum, but his mismanagement of resources led to renewed conflicts. Mongke's rule was marked by the brutal invasions of Eastern Europe and the downfall of the Assassin sect, but his passing sparked the empire's disintegration. Kublai Khan faced early challenges yet managed to unify much of China under the Yuan Dynasty. However, he ultimately struggled to maintain control, resulting in the Mongols' expulsion from China and the emergence of the Ming Dynasty. This episode emphasizes the profound impact of the Mongol Empire across Eurasia and its enduring influence on the cultures and political dynamics of the regions they conquered, as well as the rise of European global power.