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2024-04-02 11:22:37

Kublai Khan

Founder of Mongol-led Yuan dynasty of China
Founder of Mongol-led Yuan dynasty of China
Kublai Khan, also known as Emperor Shizu of Yuan, established the Great Yuan dynasty in 1271. He ruled over China, Mongolia, Korea, and Siberia until his death in 1294. Kublai was a grandson of Genghis Khan and successfully defeated his rivals to consolidate his power.
1206
Hebei Province granted to Tolui's family
In 1206, Ogedei, Genghis Khan's son and successor as Great Khan, grants Tolui's family control over Hebei Province in China after a war with the Jin Dynasty.
1215-09-23
Kublai Khan's Birth
Kublai Khan, the great Mongolian Emperor, is born. He would later become one of the most powerful Mongolian Emperors in history. His birth year coincided with the conquest of Beijing by the Great Khan.
1227
Death of Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan, the grandfather of Kublai Khan, passed away in 1227. This event marked a significant moment in the succession and leadership within the Mongol Empire.
1233
Death of Tegülün Khatun
Tegülün Khatun, Kublai Khan's first wife and daughter of Tuolian of Khongirad, died shortly after giving birth in 1233.
1236
Consolidation of Control over Nomadic Mongolian Tribes
Tolui Khan, the father of Kublai Khan, consolidated control over nomadic Mongolian tribes, setting the stage for Kublai Khan's future rise to power within the Mongol Empire.
1241
Kublai meets Haiyun and Liu Bingzhong in Karakorum
In 1241, Kublai Khan meets Haiyun, a leading Buddhist monk in North China, in Karakorum, the Mongol capital city. Haiyun becomes his advisor and even names Kublai's son, Zhenjin. Later, Kublai is introduced to Liu Bingzhong, a former Taoist turned Buddhist monk, who becomes his advisor when Haiyun returns to his temple. Another Chinese scholar named Zhao Bi also joins as an advisor, influencing Kublai's life significantly.
1242
Meeting with Haiyun
In 1242, Kublai Khan met with the leading Buddhist monk Haiyun in Karakorum, where he inquired about the philosophy of Buddhism and named his son Zhenjin.
1251
Kublai Khan's Rise to Power
In 1251, Kublai Khan, the fourth son of Genghis Khan, started to play a significant role in expanding the Mongol empire. He was entrusted with full civil and military responsibilities for China by his brother, the emperor Möngke. Despite not being able to read or write Chinese, Kublai recognized the value of Chinese philosophy and surrounded himself with Confucian advisers.
1253
Kublai Khan's Conquest of the Kingdom of Dali
Under orders from Mongke, Kublai Khan attacks the Kingdom of Dali in Yunnan, China. Despite the initial hostility from the Dali rulers, Kublai successfully conquers the region, establishes a government, and pacifies the province.
1254
Lian Xixian appointed head of pacification commission
In 1254, Kublai Khan appointed Lian Xixian as the head of his pacification commission.
1257
Kublai Khan's involvement in the war against Nan Song
Kublai Khan took on the Nan Song by subjugating the Dai kingdom of Nanzhao before handing over command to his general, Uriyangqadai. This military campaign showcased his strategic prowess and expansion of the Mongol Empire.
1258
Kublai Khan's Conference of Taoist and Buddhist Leaders
Kublai Khan convenes a conference of Taoist and Buddhist leaders, showcasing his interest in religious matters and seeking their support. This event highlights Kublai's efforts to engage with different religious groups during his rule.
1259-08-11
Death of Mongke Khan
Mongke Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire, passed away unexpectedly on August 11, 1259, halting the military campaign led by Kublai Khan against the Song Dynasty. This event had significant implications for the Mongol Empire's succession and future conquests.
1260-04-15
Kublai Khan proclaimed Great Khan
On April 15, 1260, Kublai Khan was proclaimed Great Khan despite the legal claim of his younger brother Ariq Böke.
1260-05-05
Kublai Khan elected as Khan
Kublai Khan was unanimously elected as the Khan after a kuriltai, or 'great assembly', held in his residence of Shangdu. This event marked his official succession to the position after the death of Möngke.
1260-06-01
Kublai's Coming to Power
After the passing of Kublai Khan's older brother, Mongke, the Mongol assembly elected Kublai Khan as the new leader of the empire. However, Kublai's brother disputed the election, leading to a war between the two brothers for power.
1262
Defeat of Ariq Böke by Chagatayid Khan Alghu
Chagatayid Khan Alghu, appointed by Ariq Böke, declared allegiance to Kublai and defeated a punitive expedition sent by Ariq Böke.
1264-01-01
Kublai is Officially Emperor
Kublai Khan emerged victorious in the war against his brother, Ariq Boke, solidifying his position as the Emperor of the Mongolian Empire. This marked the beginning of Kublai Khan's remarkable reign over the empire.
1264-02-08
Death of Hulagu
Hulagu, the Ilkhan, died on February 8, 1264, leading to political instability in the Ilkhanate and the Golden Horde.
1264-08-21
Surrender of Ariq Böke to Kublai
Ariq Böke surrendered to Kublai at Xanadu, leading to the acknowledgment of Kublai's victory and rule in Mongolia by the rulers of the western khanates.
1265
Ghiyas-ud-din Baraq overthrows the court of the Oirat Orghana
Ghiyas-ud-din Baraq was sent by Kublai Khan to overthrow the court of the Oirat Orghana, who had put her young son Mubarak Shah on the throne of the Chagatai Khanate without Kublai's permission.
1266
Baraq expands his realm and fights Kaidu and the Golden Horde
Baraq seized power in 1266 and began expanding his realm northward, leading to conflicts with Kaidu and the Golden Horde. He also pushed out the Great Khan's overseer from the Tarim Basin.
1267-01-01
The Start of The War
Kublai Khan declared war against the Sung Dynasty, signaling the beginning of a significant conflict. This declaration marked the start of Kublai Khan's notable achievements and the end of the Sung Dynasty.
1268
Kublai Khan's Campaign against Song China
In 1268, Kublai Khan began a long and arduous campaign to conquer Song China, facing a formidable army of over 1,000,000 men equipped with gunpowder weapons and siege machinery. The campaign involved naval battles and the Mongols had to adapt their tactics due to the Song's defensive strategies.
1269
Mongol Persia defeats Baraq's invading forces
The armies of Mongol Persia successfully defeated Baraq's invading forces in 1269, shifting the power dynamics in the region.
1271
Ascension of Kublai Khan as Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty
Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, ascended to the throne as the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty in 1271. He expanded the empire and established the Yuan Dynasty in China.
1273
Daidu becomes the main capital of the Mongol Empire
In 1273, Xanadu was demoted to being only the summer capital of the Mongol Empire, while Daidu (also known as Khanbaliq and present-day Beijing) was chosen as the primary capital. Daidu, whose construction began in 1266-1267, became a significant symbol of Mongol dominance in China.
1274-11-19
First Mongol Invasion of Japan
Kublai Khan, the Mongol leader, launched the First Mongol Invasion of Japan in November 1274. The invasion fleet consisted of 800-900 ships carrying an army of 16,600-40,000 Mongols, Chinese, and Koreans.
1275
Second Mongol Embassy to Japan
In 1275, Kublai Khan sent two more embassies to Japan, demanding tribute be paid. The Japanese, being dismissive, beheaded the ambassadors. This event further escalated tensions between the two powers, leading to the preparation for the inevitable second invasion.
1276-01-01
China United Under the Yuan Dynasty
After conquering the Sung Dynasty, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty in 1271. It took five years for the Yuan Dynasty to successfully unite China under one rule, incorporating Chinese people into the government and blending Mongol and Chinese aspects in everyday life and governance.
1276-03-28
Fall of Lin'an and End of the Song Dynasty
On 28 March 1276, the Song Dynasty came to an end as the capital Lin'an surrendered to the Mongols. The surrender of the empress dowager and Emperor Gongzong marked the culmination of Kublai Khan's successful campaign against Song China.
1277
Mongol Invasion of Burma
The Mongols under the Yuan Dynasty launch an invasion of Burma, expanding their empire further into Southeast Asia.
1278-02-01
End of Sung Dynasty by Kublai Khan
In 1278, Kublai Khan ended the Sung Dynasty by defeating them in a naval battle off the shores of Kwangtung. This victory marked the end of the 300-year rule of the Sung Dynasty over China, with Kublai Khan becoming the first non-Chinese ruler of China.
1279-01-01
Establishment of Yuan Dynasty
In 1279, after defeating the Sung Dynasty, Kublai Khan established the Yuan Dynasty to rule over China and Mongolian lands. The Yuan Dynasty was known for its powerful army and government, instilling fear in neighboring countries.
1281-06-23
Battle of Akasaka and Battle of Torikai-Gata
Mongol landing forces were defeated at the Battle of Akasaka and the Battle of Torikai-Gata in Hakata Bay by Japanese forces led by Takezaki Suenaga and Shiraishi Michiyasu.
1281-08-12
Battle of Takashima
On 12 August 1281, the combined Mongol fleet attacked Takashima, resulting in fierce fighting. The invaders faced shortages of supplies and the battle lasted for several weeks.
1281-08-14
Typhoon Destroys Mongol Fleet
On 14 August 1281, a typhoon destroyed most of the Mongol fleet, sinking ships tied together with chains and washing up thousands of men on the beaches of Imari Bay. The divine winds, kamikaze, were seen as a response to Japanese prayers for protection.
1282
Kublai confirms Arghun's coronation in the Ilkhanate
In 1282, after the assassination of Ahmad Fanakati, Kublai Khan confirmed Arghun's coronation in the Ilkhanate and awarded his commander in chief Buqa the title of chancellor.
1283
Marriage of Kublai Khan to Empress Nambui
After the death of Empress Chabi, Kublai Khan married Chabi's young cousin, Nambui, in 1283. This marriage was presumably in accordance with Chabi's wish.
1285
Proposal for Kublai Khan to abdicate in favor of Zhenjin
In 1285, an official proposed that Kublai Khan should abdicate in favor of his son Zhenjin. However, Kublai was angered by this suggestion and refused to see Zhenjin. This proposal led to tensions within the imperial family.
1286
Mongol Invasion of Vietnam
The Mongol invasion of Vietnam in 1286 encountered challenges like humid jungles, parasitic diseases, and war elephants, leading to only partial success.
1287-12-04
Creation of the Liaoyang Branch Secretariat
Kublai Khan approved the creation of the Liaoyang Branch Secretariat on December 4, 1287, as a response to the rebellion led by Nayan and Kaidu. This move aimed to strengthen imperial control and reward loyal fraternal princes.
1289
Defeat of rebel prince Shikqtur in Liaoning
The rebel prince Shikqtur invaded Liaoning but was defeated within a month in 1289. This defeat was part of the series of events that led to the suppression of the rebellion against Kublai Khan's rule.
1290
Disappearance of Empress Nambui
Empress Nambui, who married Kublai Khan in 1283, went missing in 1290. She was the daughter of Nachen, the uncle of Empress Chabi.
1291
Dispatch of Kublai Khan's grandson Gammala to Burkhan Khaldun
In 1291, Kublai Khan dispatched his grandson Gammala to Burkhan Khaldun to ensure his claim to Ikh Khorig, the sacred burial place of Genghis Khan. This move aimed to solidify Kublai's control over the region and protect the sacred site.
1292
Mongol Invasion of Java
In 1292, the Mongol invasion of Java faced obstacles like unfamiliar territory and resistance from the Javanese, achieving limited success in their campaign.
1293
Mongol Invasion of Japan
In 1293, the Mongols launched an invasion of Japan, winning the first engagements due to their superior numbers and coordinated troop movements. However, they did not push deeper into Japanese territory, possibly due to supply problems or the death of the Mongol general Liu Fuxiang. A storm later struck, causing heavy casualties and forcing the Mongols to withdraw back to Korea.
1294-02-18
Kublai Khan's Death
At the age of 78, Kublai Khan passed away in his palace at Ta-tu. His significant influence in the Mongolian Empire and his role in ending the Sung Dynasty solidified his legacy as one of the great emperors in history.
1301
Death of Kaidu
Kaidu, a grandson of Ögödei and a prominent opponent of Kublai Khan, died in 1301 after maintaining hostility towards Kublai throughout his reign.
1368
Collapse of the Yuan Dynasty
Chinese uprisings led to the collapse of the Yuan Dynasty in 1368, ending the rule that Kublai Khan had established.
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Kublai Khan

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Kublai Khan

Founder of Mongol-led Yuan dynasty of China
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