Yuan Dynasty
The Yuan Dynasty, which ran from 1271 to 1364, is considered the dynasty of the Mongols as it was founded by Kublai Khan and Emperor Shizu who made Dadu, now known as Beijing, the capital. Kublai Khan was the grandson of Tie Muzhen, better known as Genghis Khan, who made the Mongolians a force to be reckoned with in north China. In the ensuing years, the Mongols advanced as far east as Germany and Poland, building an empire that encompassed 12 million square kilometers from Siberia to Burma.
The dynasty is known for its agricultural and economic achievements, making it one of the richest dynasties. But, alas, heavy taxation of the people led to the dynasty’s downfall, and in 1364 it ended with the successful takeover of power by Zhu Yuanzhang, who founded the Ming Dynasty.
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Cheryl Probst -
Cheryl Probst is an award-winning photojournalist who specializes in writing about motorcycles, China and the Pacific Northwest.