Khutulun

By the year 1280, the once powerful and unified Mongol Empire was slowly falling apart. It was a difficult period, as, instead of saving forces to expand borders, the various Mongol Khans were fighting each other. At the same time, Kaidu, cousin of Kublai Khan, became one of the most powerful rulers in the Empire. His power extended across Central Asia, from Mongolia to the Amu Darya River. The leader, unlike Kublai, adopted a nomadic lifestyle, in honor of his ancestors. Kaidu was also one of the only Mongol rulers who opposed Kublai Khan — founder of the Yuan dynasty — and his allies. It was in this period, between wars and conflicts, that Khutulun, daughter of Kaidu, was born - around t...View all