19. The Mongols - Terror of the Steppe (Part 2)
Summary
This episode details the reign of Ögedei Khan, who succeeded Genghis Khan and established the capital Karakorum while expanding the Mongol Empire’s infrastructure. It covers the devastating invasions of Russia, Poland, and Hungary, which were halted only by Ögedei’s death and the subsequent succession crisis. The narrative concludes with the rise of Möngke Khan and William of Rubruck’s account of religious debates at the Mongol court.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Accenture and Mint
Genghis Khan's death and the succession of Ogedai
Construction and layout of the capital Karakorum
The Yam postal system and trade incentives
Mongol expansion plans and the mystery of Prester John
The Mongol invasion of Rus and the Battle of Kalka
Destruction of Kiev and the invasion of Hungary
Ogedai's death and the rise of Mongke Khan
Life in Karakorum and the religious debates
The fall of the Assassins and the siege of Alamut
The sack of Baghdad and the death of Mongke
The civil war between Kublai and Ariq Boqa
Kublai's rule, Marco Polo's visit, and the Mongol Peace
The fall of the Song Dynasty and Ming reforms
Failed invasions of Vietnam, Japan, and Burma
The collapse of the Yuan Dynasty and the rise of Ming
The fragmentation of the Mongol Empire and Golden Horde
Legacy: European Renaissance and the Ming inward turn
The search for Genghis Khan's tomb
Conclusion, credits, and final sponsors
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