List of Mongol rulers – Knowipedia – The Next Generation of Global Knowledge

**List of Mongol Rulers**

**Definition**
The list of Mongol rulers encompasses the leaders who governed the Mongol Empire and its successor states from the early 13th century through the late medieval period. These rulers include the Great Khans of the unified Mongol Empire as well as the khans of its various khanates, such as the Yuan dynasty in China, the Golden Horde in Russia, the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia, and the Ilkhanate in Persia.

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## List of Mongol Rulers

The Mongol Empire, founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, rapidly expanded to become the largest contiguous land empire in history. Following Genghis Khan’s death, the empire was divided among his descendants, who ruled various regions as khans. This article provides a comprehensive list of the principal Mongol rulers, including the Great Khans and the khans of the major successor states.

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### Origins of Mongol Leadership

Before the rise of Genghis Khan, the Mongol tribes were fragmented and ruled by various chieftains. Temüjin, later known as Genghis Khan, united the Mongol tribes and established a centralized authority. His leadership style and military prowess laid the foundation for the Mongol Empire’s expansion.

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## Great Khans of the Mongol Empire (1206–1294)

The Great Khans were the supreme rulers of the Mongol Empire, recognized as the universal emperors of the Mongol world. They held the title „Khagan” and wielded authority over all Mongol territories.

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## Yuan Dynasty Emperors (1271–1368)

The Yuan dynasty was established by Kublai Khan as a Chinese imperial dynasty, marking the Mongol rule over China. The Yuan emperors were descendants of Kublai Khan and ruled as Chinese emperors while maintaining Mongol traditions.

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## Golden Horde Khans (c. 1240–1502)

The Golden Horde was the northwestern segment of the Mongol Empire, covering parts of modern Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. It was founded by Batu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.

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## Ilkhanate Khans (1256–1335)

The Ilkhanate was the southwestern division of the Mongol Empire, covering Persia and parts of the Middle East. It was founded by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan.

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## Chagatai Khanate Rulers (1225–1680)

The Chagatai Khanate was the central Asian division of the Mongol Empire, named after Chagatai Khan, the second son of Genghis Khan. It covered much of modern-day Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and parts of western China.

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## Other Notable Mongol Rulers

### Northern Yuan Dynasty (1368–1635)

After the fall of the Yuan dynasty in China, the Mongols retreated to the Mongolian Plateau and continued to claim the title of Great Khan, known as the Northern Yuan.

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### Other Regional Mongol Rulers

Various smaller Mongol and Turkic-Mongol states emerged after the fragmentation of the empire, including the Khanate of Kazan, the Crimean Khanate, and the Khanate of Sibir. These khanates were often ruled by descendants of Genghis Khan and maintained Mongol traditions.

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## Legacy of Mongol Rulers

The Mongol rulers profoundly influenced the political, cultural, and economic landscapes of Eurasia. Their governance facilitated trade along the Silk Road, promoted religious tolerance, and contributed to the cultural exchanges between East and West. The fragmentation of the empire led to the rise of several successor states that shaped regional histories for centuries.

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## Summary Table of Key Mongol Rulers

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## Conclusion

The list of Mongol rulers reflects the dynamic and complex history of the Mongol Empire and its successor states. From the unification under Genghis Khan to the fragmentation into regional khanates, these rulers shaped the medieval world through conquest, administration, and cultural patronage. Their legacies continue to be studied for their impact on Eurasian history.

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**Meta Description:**
This article provides a comprehensive list of Mongol rulers, including the Great Khans of the Mongol Empire and the khans of its successor states such as the Yuan dynasty, Golden Horde, Ilkhanate, and Chagatai Khanate. It outlines their reigns and historical significance.