The Mongol Empire was founded by Genghis Khan (1165-1227) in 1206. It became 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 included almost 50% of the world population, in particular, the most advanced nations of that time: China and the entire Arab world.

In 1241 the Mongols were ready to invade Europe as well, having defeated the last European army at the Battle of Legnica. They returned home, however, to participate in the election of the next Khan.

After its peak under Kublai Khan, the Empire split into a number of smaller khanates. Some of these decendent empires include the Mongol-founded Yuan Dynasty in China, and the Golden Horde that controlled Central Asia and Russia.