1251Reputable sourceWell documented
Möngke Khan and the Reunified Empire
On the timeline · around 1251 ·
What happened
In 1251, with his mother Sorghaghtani's backing, Möngke — Tolui's eldest son — was elected Great Khan, wresting supreme power from the line of Ögedei in a bloody purge of rivals. An energetic and able ruler, he reformed the administration and launched two great new campaigns: his brother Hülegü westward into the Islamic world, and his brother Kublai southward against Song China.
Why it matters
Möngke's reign was the last time a single Great Khan effectively ruled the whole Mongol Empire. Under him it reached its greatest extent — and his death would trigger the split that broke it apart.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Möngke Khan · Reputable source