2. Building an Empire

The Tangut and Jin Dynasties permanently fall to the Mongols.  By then, Genghis Khan's son, Ogodei, led the Mongol Empire.  The Mongol warriors and their military commanders struck fear and terror everywhere they went.   Subutai Ba' Dur stands out as one of the most ablest and successful Mongol military commanders.

Ogodie Kahn's death caused a major division over his successor among the various Mongolian princes.  The schism would eventually contribute to the demise  of the Mongol Empire.  After Ogodei Khan came Guyuk Khan and then Mongke Khan.  The latter will become more familiar later in this podcast series.    The Mongol Empire reached its zenith under Mongke Khan.