The Mongol Empire

Available for 72 days

In the late Middle Ages, the Mongol Empire became the largest the world had ever seen. At its peak, maybe 100 million people lived under its banner, led by the Great Khans of the Asian steppe. But what unified the first disparate, nomadic clans? Who was the real Genghis Khan, and how did his empire fair after his death? And what caused the downfall of this once seemingly unstoppable civilisation? This is a Short History of the Mongol Empire. A Noiser production, written by Dan Smith. With thanks to Professor Timothy May of the University of North Georgia. If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.