Disintegration of the Mongol Empire

Abstract

Kublai Khan (ruled 1260–1294) was probably the last, true supreme khan of the Mongol domain. A successful warrior and administrator, he led the Mongols in the conquest of China and effectively administered the empire’s military, political and diplomatic affairs. Even with a large pool of local and international advisers at his disposal, however, he could not prevent the process of disintegration of the state. With the conquest of sophisticated settled areas of China, Central Asia and the Middle East came increased involvement in everyday administration and the running of the numerous provinces of the empire. The centralized nature of the state led to lengthy delays in major decision making because transportation and communication technologies were still quite primitive and undeveloped. For example, it could take from six to fifteen weeks for a messenger to carry a letter from Samarqand to Karakorum. Hence many governors and local khans exercised increasing autonomy over various issues, independent of the center.