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The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan in 1206. At its height, it was arguably the largest contiguous empire in human history, stretching from Southeast Asia to Europe, covering 13.8 million square miles or more than 35 million square kilometers. According to some sources, the empire encompassed almost 50% of the world population, including the most advanced and populous nations of that time: China and many of the main contemporary states of the Islamic world in Iraq, Persia, and Asia Minor.
1 Organization of Mongol Empire
Mongol Empire was governed by a set of specific laws created by the great Khan himself called Yasa and the stiff penalty that resulted from breaking the laws made Mongol Empire one of the safest and the most effective institution that the Mongols never imagined to be. All throughout the empire, an extensive postal system and trade routes were revived or created, which allowed many merchants, messengers and travellers from China, Europe, and the Middle East to have cultural exchange and a safer trade network. The Mongol Empire, as stated in Yasa, had religious tolerance and an extremely clear rule of governance in which the great Khan was in direct administration of the Empire. A general assembly similar to the parliament of modern times, called Kurultai, was the meeting of Mongol chiefs and the Khan himself to discuss domestic and foreign policies that were crucial during that time, exhibiting clear, unified administration. Also, according to Yasa, chiefs and generals were selected based on meritocracy, and there was supposed to be no random vandalizing of civilian populations and thievery in any form or shape. In some accounts, travellers from Europe were amazed by the organization and strict discipline of the people within the Mongol Empire; for example, according to legends, a woman carrying a sack of gold from one end of the Empire to another could travel safely.
Genghis Khan also created a national seal; made a universal written language; exempted teachers, lawyers, and artists from taxes; and outlawed all forms of torture and humiliation in the empire.
The Mongols themselves had an extreme sense of dedication, loyalty, and endurance for their Mongol Empire, and especially to the great Khan himself.
2 Formation of Mongol Empire
Genghis, through political manipulation and force of will, had united the Mongol tribes under his banner by 1206. He quickly came into conflict with the Jin empire of the Jurchen and the Western Xia in Northern China, and, under the provocation of the Khwarezmid Empire, moved into Central Asia, devastating TransoxianaTransoxiana (sometimes also spelled Transoxania is the now-largely obsolete name used for the portion of Central Asia corresponding approximately with modern-day Uzbekistan and southwest Kazakhstan. Geographically, it means the region between the Amu Dary and eastern PersiaPersia is the historical name for the state of Iran. The name was used in the West due to the ancient Greek name for Iran, Persis''. Persia is used to describe the nation of Iran, its people, or its ancient empire. The name Persia comes from a province in, and raiding into southern Russia and the Caucasus. While engaged in a final war against the Western Xia, Genghis fell ill and died.
Please read about formation of Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan.
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