Mongol Empire

The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, forged by Genghis Khan from nomadic tribes of the Mongolian steppe. At its height it stretched from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe, encompassing vast swaths of Asia and facilitating unprecedented cross-continental trade along the Silk Road. After Genghis Khan's death the empire fragmented into successor khanates — the Ilkhanate, Golden Horde, Chagatai Khanate, and Yuan Dynasty — each ruling vast territories. The Mongol conquests caused enormous destruction but also fostered cultural exchange and the Pax Mongolica that enabled commerce and communication across Eurasia.

• Existed: 1206 CE – 1368 CE
• Type: Empire
• Government: khanate
• Capital: Karakorum