Known for warfare, but celebrated for productive peace. Led by humble steppe dwellers, but successful due to a mastery of the era’s most advanced technology. The Mongol Empire embodied all of those tensions, turning them into the second-largest kingdom of all time.

At its peak, the Mongol Empire covered the most contiguous territory in history. Led at first by Genghis Khan, the empire lasted from 1206 until 1368. During that time, it expanded to cover most of Eurasia, thanks to advanced technology and a massive horde of nomadic warriors.

The empire was founded in 1206, when Temijin, son of a Mongol chieftain, assumed power and changed his name to Chinggis Khan (styled as “Genghis Khan” in the West and meaning