Definition of Yuan Dynasty

In present-day Beijing, the descendants of Genghis Khan founded the Yuan Dynasty, which remained in power for almost 100 years. In this way, the Mongol emperors (known as Great Khan) became the rulers of China. Specifically, it was Kublai Khan who started this dynasty in the 11th century.

Mongol rule over Chinese territory

Genghis Khan's troops began the occupation of present-day China in the early 13th century, but it was his grandson Kublai Khan who moved the capital of the Mongol Empire to Beijing. In this sense, the Yuan dynasty did not enjoy great popularity among the Chinese, who were considered inferior citizens in their own land.

However, with the passage of time the new dynasty incorporated Chinese Buddhism as a religion. In this sense, historians consider that the Mongol rulers were adapting to Chinese traditions. Thus, during the period of the Yuan dynasty, the sciences and arts typical of Chinese culture were disseminated (calligraphy was developed as a branch of the

painting, techniques were perfected in manufacturing porcelain and large buildings were built).

The Chinese population rejected the power of the Yuan dynasty

The Mongols were foreigners who ruled with an iron fist. This situation generated a deep malaise in the society.

At the end of the 14th century a farmer Of humble origin and with great military gifts, Zhu Yuanzhang, led a rebel group and finally defeated the Mongol army of the Yuan dynasty. In this way, the Mongol rule in China came to an end and Zhu Yuanzhang himself became the first president of a new Chinese dynasty, the Ming dynasty.

The traveler and merchant Marco Polo maintained a close relationship with the Yuan dynasty

For 17 years Marco Polo was protected by Kublai Khan and was in fact appointed governor of the Yang-techen region. Marco Polo was not a simple traveler but he was fully integrated into the China dominated by the Yuan dynasty.

During his stay, he visited the summer residence of Kublai Khan located in the city of Xanadu on several occasions. In it were luxurious mansions and a population heterogeneous of Mongols, Chinese, Persian merchants and some European missionaries.

The city of Xanadu has gone down in history as a place of legends and for the Mongols it is considered the symbol from his National identity (in 2012 it was named Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO). In the book of wonders "Marco Polo recounts his fascination for this city, which stood out for its gardens and palaces decorated with figures of exotic animals.

Photo: Fotolia - philllbg

Themes in Yuan Dynasty