The History of China

As Toghon Temur - the eleventh and final Great Khan of the Yuan, takes the throne - the dam holding back the near century of bad decisions back begins to buckle. Things are not helps by a dramatic climate shift, or the outbreak of one of the worst pandemics in human history, either... can we really blame the apocalyptic cults that spring up for thinking it's the end of the world? Time Period Covered: 1333~1344 CE Major Historical Figures: Toghon Temur Khaghan [r. 1333-1368, 1370] Grand Chancellor Bayan Ba'atur of the Merkid [1280-1340] Zhu Yuanzhang [1328-1398] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

31 years later, To forget is to risk it all happening anew... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the aftermath of the Golden Horde's devastating strike into Eastern Europe, Christendom reels. As apocalyptic as the assaults were, the great enemy's sudden and inexplicable evaporation offers no comfort, and only more questions. In order to get some answers, the Holy See will dispatch an unlikely candidate to make his way across the whole of Eurasia in an attempt to first find, and then meet with, the King of the Tartars - whoever, and wherever he may be... Time Period Covered: 1245-1247 CE Major Historical Figures: European Christendom: Pope Innocent IV [r. 1243-1254] Friar Giovanni da Pian del Carpine (John of Plano Carpini) [ca. 1185-1252] Friar Benedict of Poland [ca. 1200-ca. 1280] Friar Stephen of Bohemia Konrad I, High Duke of Krakow [ca. 1187-1247] Prince Daniel Romanovich of Galacia [1201-1264] Grand Prince Vasilko (Basil) Romanovich of Kiev [1203-1269] Grand Prince Yaroslav II Vsevolodovich of Vladimir [1191-1246] Mongol Empire: Guyük Khaghan [r. 1246-1248] Toregene Khatun [r. 1241-1246] Batu Khan of the Golden Horde [ca. 1205-1255] Grand Secretary Chinqai of Khwarazm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My interview with Beijing-based author and journalist Michael Schuman about China's history, present, future, and food... and of course about his upcoming book, "Superpower Interrupted: The Chinese History of the World," available on June 9th, 2020. Find Michael on Twitter under the handle @michaelschuman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We start today in the aftermath of the murder of the 9th Great Mongol Khan and the 5th Emperor of Yuan. We end a decade later, at the beginning of the 15th Great Khan and 11th Yuan Emperor... coincidentally (or not) the last of both. The treachery, assassinations, wars, and power-plays that get us from that start to that end will threaten to split the very soul of the empire in two. Also, there's a lot of Temürs along the way... like, a *lot,* a lot! Time Period Covered: 1323-1333 CE Major Events: * Coup at Nanpo [Sept. 4, 1323] - Outcome: assassination of Shidebala Khaghan, accession of Yesün Temür Khaghan * War of the Two Capitals [Aug. 1328-Nov. 14, 1328 (sporadic resistance thru 1332)] - Outcome: Khaishan Restorationist victory/ Shangdu Loyalist defeat, overthrow of Aragibagh & enthronement of Jayaatu Khaghan * Incident at Ongghochatu [Aug. 26-30, 1329] - Outcome: assassination of Khoshila, restoration of Togh Temur Khaghan to the throne Relevant Historical Figures: Great Yuan: Shidebala (Gegeen Khaghan/Yuan Yingzong) [r. 1320-1323] Yesün Temür (Khaghan/Yuan Taiding) [r. 1323-1328] Aragibagh (Khaghan/Yuan Tianshun) [r. Oct.-Nov. 1328] Togh Temür (Jayaatu Khaghan/Yuan Wenzong) [r. Oct. 1328-Apr. 1329, Sept. 1329- Sept. 1332] Khoshila (Khutughtu Khaghan/Yuan Mingzong) [r. Feb. 1329-Aug. 1329] Rinchinbal (Khaghan/Yuan Ningzong) [r. Oct. 29, 1332-Dec. 14, 1332] Toghon Temür (Ukhaghatu Khaghan/Yuan Huizong) [r. 1333-1368] Empress Budashiri [1307-1340] Crown Prince Aradnadara [d. 1330] Prince El Tegüs [c. 1329-c. 1340] Daula-shah, Grand Councilor of the Right [d. 1228] El Temür, General & Grand Councillor of the Right [d. 1333] Bayan of the Merkids, General & Grand Councillor of the Left [d. 1340] Chagatai Khanate: Esen Bukha I, Khan [r. 1310-1318] Eljigidey Khan [r. 1326-1329] Golden Horde: Öz Beg Khan [r. 1313-1341] Ilkhanate: Abu Sa'id (Bahadur Khan) [r. 1316-1335] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Temur Khan's death without an heir sparks a power vacuum within the Yuan court - two brothers will come to power together, but only one will be able to sit the throne at a time, who will succeed? Meanwhile, as money issues continue to plague the empire, the Mongol nobility get more and more fed-up with the Yuan Borjigins' continual shift toward Chinese-style reforms. Time Period Covered: 1307-1323 CE Major Historical Figures: Khaishan (Külüg Khaghan/Emperor Wuzong) [r. 1307-1311] Ayurbarwada (Buyantu Khaghan/Emperor Renzong) [r. 1311-1320] Shidebala (Gegeen Khaghan/Emperor Yingzong) [r.1320-1323] Grand Empress Dowager Targi [d. 1322] Empress Bulukhan [d. 1307] Khosila, Prince of Zhou Prince Ananda [d. 1307] Grand Councilor of the Right, Harghasun [d. 1307] Grand Councilor of the Right, Temüder [d. 1322] Grand Councilor of the Left/Right, Baiju [d.1323】 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

King Bela IV of Hungary has a bit of a barbarian problem. You see, he let in some Cumans, but now some different barbarians are demanding that he give them back. So Bela does the sensible thing: he kills the Mongol emissaries. Batu Khan and General Subotai are less than pleased... Time Period Covered: c. 1239-1242 CE Major Historical Figures: Mongol Empire: Batu Khan [c. 1205-1255] General Subotai Ba'atur ("the Valiant") [c. 1175-1248] General Khadan [d. 125?] General Shiban [d. 1266] Kingdom of Greater Hungary: King Bela III [r. 1172-1196] King Andrew II [r. 1205-1235] King Bela IV [r. 1235-1265] Duke Coloman of Slavonia [d. 1241] Archbishop Ugolin of Kaolocsa [d. 1241] Duke Palatine of Hungary [d. 1241] Bishop Benedict of Oradea [d. 1241] Templar Master Rembald de Voczon [d. 1241] Archdeacon Thomas of Spalato [1200-1268] Master Roger of Torre Maggiore, Archdeacon of Varad [1205-1266] Cuman Tribes: Chieftain Khotan [d. 1140] Austria: Duke Frederick of Austria "the Quarrelsome" [d. 1245] Holy Roman Empire: Emperor Frederick II [r. 1220-1250] Conrad IV, King of Italy, Germany, the Romans, and Jerusalem [r. 1228-1254] Roman Catholic Church: Pope Gregory IX [r. 1227-1241] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Olziyet Temur - the Blessed Iron Khan - takes the throne as the Yuan Dynasty's second emperor, Changzong "The Preserver." He has taken it upon himself to uphold and protect his grandfather Khubilai's glorious legacy... but granddad sure left a bit of a mess for him to try to clear up. Time Period Covered: 1294-1307 CE Major Historical Figures: Olziyet Temur Khan (Emperor Changzong of Yuan) [r. 1294-1307 CE] Empress Bulukhan Crown Prince Deshou [d. 1306] Empress-Dowager Kököchin Gammala, Prince of Jin Öljei, Grand Councilor of the Right [d. 1303] Sayyid Boyan al-Dīn, Finance Minister Khaidu Khan of House Ögedei [d. 1301] Du'a Khan of House Chagatai Öljeitu, Ilkhan of House Hülegü General Bayan of the Barin, "Hundred Eyes" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Khubilai is ancient, pained, and sick... but he still has more Mongol justice to mete out before he joins the Eternal Sky. Still, some campaigns will go better than others. Period Covered: ca. 1287-1294 CE Major Historical Figures: Yuan Dynasty: Khubilai (Emperor Shizu) [r. 1260-1294] Crown Prince Olziit Temur (Emperor Chengzong) [r. 1294-1307] Prince Esen Temur Prince Temur Bukha General Shibi General Gao Xing Admiral Yike Musi Ambassador Meng Qi Phagspa Lama, Imperial Preceptor of Tibet [1235-1280] Imperial Preceptor Dharmapalarasita Kingdom of Pagan (Burma): King Narathihapate [r. 1256-1287] Kingdom of Singhasari (Java): King Kertanagara [d. 1292] Prince Raden Vijaya [r. 1293-1309] Duke Jayakatwang of Kediri [d. 1293] Mongol Khanates: Du'a Khan of the Chagatids Khaidu Khan of the Ögedeids [d. 1301] Prince Nayan [d. 1287] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Traditional Chinese Medicine - as its name duly implies - has been a part of China for at least 2,500 years. But what does it mean? Where does it come from? How does it work? And does it have a place it modern society? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Khubilai Khan has led a pretty blessed existence as of the year 1279. But fate has a way of balancing things out in starkly brutal fashion... Time Period Covered: ~1279-1287 CE Major Historical Figures: Yuan Dynasty: Emperor Khubilai Empress Chabi (d. 1281) Crown Prince Zhenjin (1242-1285) Prince Toghon, Prince of Suppression of the South Finance Minister Ahmad Fanakati (d. 1282) Finance Minister Lu Shijing (d. 1285) Admiral Hong Tau General Fan Wenhu General Xindu General Nasir al-Din Commander Sodu (d. 1285) Commander Arigh Khaya Japanese Shogunate: Hojo Tokimune, Regent of the Shogun Kingdom of Pagan: King Narathihapate Kingdom of Champa: King Jaya Indravarman VI Kingdom of Dai-Viet: Emperor Tran Than-Tong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Khubilai Khan is a man astride multiple worlds - trying to be both the Khan of the Great Mongol Nation, and the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. This will take quite a bit of accommodation, and between Mongolian shamanism, Chinese Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, Islam, and Christianity... more than a little behaving like a cultural chameleon to square those civilizational circles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jochi was tasked with subduing the Cuman tribes of the western steppes. Jochi failed. Now, under the second Great Khan Ögedei, it will fall to his successor, Batu, Khan of the Golden Horde, to finish what his father could not. He won't be going alone, though. In addition to his invincible tumens, he'll bring with him a host of imperial princes, as well as the greatest commander to ever mount a steed - Subotai the Valiant, now returns to the Western expanses to finish what he began 15 years ago... Note: this is part 1 of an extended bonus episode! Find the full episode and all other Bonus Episodes by become a patron at patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Time Period Covered: ca. 1235-1240 CE Major Historical Figures: Mongol Khanate: Ögedei Khaghan (1186-1241) Subotai Ba'atuur, The Last Orlok (ca. 1176-1248) General Uriyangkhadai (1201-1272) House Ogedeid: Guyuk (1206-1248) Khadan (?) Khaidu (c. 1230-1301) House Jochi (Golden Horde): Batu Khan (ca. 1205-1255) House Tolui: Möngke (1209-1259) Bujek (?) House Chagatai: Baidar(?) Buri (d. 1252) Kipchak-Cuman Confederacy: Bachman Khan (d. 1237) Khoten Khan (d. 1241) Russian Principalities: Grand Prince Yuri II of Vladimir (1188-1238) Prince Roman of Vladimir (d. 1238) Prince Michael of Chernigov (1179-1246) Dmitri, Voivode of Kiev (?) Kingdom of Hungary: King Béla IV (1206-1270) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's finally time to give holiday thanks and - of course - submit myself before the high inquisitors pelting me with questions day and night! Topics this year ranged far and wide: 1. How wide-ranging was Genghis Khan's last command in Western Xia? 2. How do I keep my loud mouth out of trouble with the PRC? 3. How "good" were the good times of dynasties for the normies? 4. Which Khan has got it goin' on? 5. Were there plagues in ancient China? How were they dealt with? 6. Did the Mongols trigger anti-foreign conservatism in the Ming? 7. Where should we divide "Chinese" history from "non-Chinese" history? 8. Just how incompetent was the Song Dynasty? 9. Why does THoC be like it do? 10. How did the Mongols relay orders over long distances before writing? 11. How much was opium to blame versus other factors in the decline and fall of the Qing Dynasty? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While his armies have been keeping busy in every direction on both offense and defense, Emperor Khubilai had been hard at work re-organizing the mess his family made in China and reformatting it into a stable, lawful Yuan Dynasty. And Grandpa Genghis was right: it's was a *lot* more work to run an empire, than to conquer one... Period Covered: ca. 1261-1290 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Khubilai must face off against his most potent threat - his own traditionalist cousin, Khaidu. Meanwhile, Khaidu frets over his daughter Khutulun - a girl as desirable as she is formidable, and will brook no husband who cannot best her at wrestling. Time Period Covered: ca. 1265-1306 CE Notable Historical Figures: Yuan Dynasty: Khubilai Khan Prince Zhenjin Prince Nomukhan Prince Kokochu Prime Minister of the Right Antong General Bayan Chagatai Khanate: Khaidu Khan Princess Khutulun Rebel Princes: Togh Timur Shiregi Yobukhur Melik Timur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The armies of Great Yuan sweep across the east, destroying and conquering all who would stand against them. Goryeo Korea eventually sees the writing on the wall and cuts a deal with the Great Khan. Khubilai will then turn his sights out over the waters of the Pacific, to the Land of the Rising Sun... and send its monarch a friend request. Time Period Covered: ca. 1257-1275 CE Major Historical Figures: Yuan Dynasty: Khubilai, Great Khan of Mongolia, Emperor of Yuan Princess Hutulun Jielimishi Zhao Liangbi, Yuan Emissary to Japan Goryeo Korea: Choi Ui, Warlord of Korea [d. 1257] King Wonjong [r. 1260-1274] Im Yon, Warlord [d. ca. 1271] Pan Pu, Yuan Emissary to Japan Kamakura Japan: Hojo Tokimune, Regent of the Shogun (Shikken, de facto ruler of Japan) Shoni Sukeyoshi, Magistrate of Chikuzen City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the untimely death of Möngke Khaghan outside the walls of Chongqing, the Mongol Empire will be fore to choose for a new emperor for the 5th time in just three decades. Unlike the first four conclaves, however, this will result in not one, but two khuriltais, and two who would be Great Khan. Möngke’s brothers, Khubilai and Ariq Böke, will duel it out across Central Asia to determine who will rule all under the Eternal Blue Sky. Time Period Covered: 1259-1266 CE Major Historical Figures: Toluids: Möngke Khaghan [d.1259] Khubilai’s Supporters: Khubilai Khaghan [r. 1260-1289] Chabi Khatun [1225-1281] Hulegu Ilkhan [d. 1265] General Ked Bukha [d. 1260] King Hethum I of Armenia [r. 1226-1270] Ariq Böke Supporters: Ariq Böke Khaghan [r. 1260-1264, d. 1266] Berke Khan (Golden Horde/Jochid) [d. 1266] Alghu Khan (Chagatids) [d. 1265] Jumukhur (Ilkhanate) Urung Tang (Möngke Toluid) General Alandar [d. 1262] General Durchi Mamluk Sultanate: Sultan Saif ad-Din Qutuz [r. 1259-1260] Sultan Baibars [r. 1260-1277] Song Dynasty: Chancellor Jia Sidao [d. 1273] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Confucius talked about a *lot* ... but there were certain things about which even the Master dare not speak. Today we break that ancient taboo with 4 stories of spooky strangeness... 2:01 - "A Karmic Meal" 5:30 - "The Concubine's Revenge" 20:22 - "Too Poor to Be Haunted" 24:26 - "A Hell of a Trial" Adapted from: Zibuyu "What the Master Would Not Discuss" by Yuan Mei Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genghis Khan is dead, and his 3rd son Ögedei has ben selected to lead the Mongol Empire into an uncertain future. Once he is confirmed on the throne, he'll strike on in every direction against every foe at once. On the way, there will be virgin sacrifices, talking wolves, free money, mass enslavement, Persian princes, Assassins, poison, angry water spirits, battle-mages, cannibalism... and that's just the tip of the iceberg! Note: This is part 1 of the 2-part conclusion to the life of Genghis Khan, with the conclusion available to subscribers via: www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Time Period Covered: 1227-1234 CE Major Historical Figures: Ogedeids: Ogedei Khaghan Subotai the Valiant General Chormakhan Minister Yelu Chu Cai Toluids: Tolui Khan Sorkhakhtani Beki Khatun Chagatids: Chagatai Khan Khwarazmia: Jalal al-Din Kingdom of Georgia: Queen Rusudan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The people throughout China have been plunged into bitter suffering and tribulations since the Chiang Kai-shek Kuomintang reactionary government betrayed the fatherland, colluded with imperialists, and launched the counter-revolutionary war. Fortunately our People's Liberation Army, backed by the whole nation, has been fighting heroically and selflessly to defend the territorial sovereignty of our homeland, to protect the people's lives and property, to relieve the people of their sufferings, and to struggle for their rights, and it eventually wiped out the reactionary troops and overthrew the reactionary rule of the Nationalist government. Now, the People's War of Liberation has been basically won, and the majority of the people in the country have been liberated. On this foundation, the first session of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference , composed of delegates of all the democratic parties and people's organization of China, the People's Liberation Army, the various regions and nationalities of the country, and the overseas Chinese and other patriotic elements, has been convened. Representing the will of the whole nation, [this session of the conference] has enacted the organic law of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China, elected Mao Zedong as chairman of the Central People's Government; and Zhu De, Liu Shaoqi, Song Qingling, Li Jishen, Zhang Lan, and Gao Gang as vice chairmen [of the Central People's Government]; and Chen Yi, He Long, Li Lisan, Lin Boqu, Ye Jianying, He Xiangning, Lin Biao, Peng Dehuai, Liu Bocheng, Wu Yuzhang, Xu Xiangqian, Peng Zhen, Bo Yibo, Nie Rongzhen, Zhou Enlai, Dong Biwu, Seypidin, Rao Shushi, Tan Kah-kee [Chen Jiageng], Luo Ronghuan, Deng Zihui, Ulanhu, Xu Deli, Cai Chang, Liu Geping, Ma Yinchu, Chen Yun, Kang Sheng, Lin Feng, Ma Xulun, Guo Moruo, Zhang Yunyi, Deng Xiaoping, Gao Chongmin, Shen Junru, Shen Yanbing, Chen Shutong, Szeto Mei-tong [Situ Meitang], Li Xijiu, Huang Yanpei, Cai Tingkai, Xi Zhongxun, Peng Zemin, Zhang Zhizhong, Fu Zuoyi, Li Zhuchen, Li Zhangda, Zhang Nanxian, Liu Yazi, Zhang Dongsun, and Long Yun as council members to form the Central People's Government Council, proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China and decided on Beijing as the capital of the People's Republic of China. The Central People's Government Council of the People's Republic of China took office today in the capital and unanimously made the following decisions: to proclaim the establishment of the Central People's Government of the People's Republic of China; to adopt the Common Program of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as the policy of the government; to elect Lin Boqu from among the council members as secretary general of the Central People's Government Council; to appoint Zhou Enlai as premier of the Government Adminstration Council of the Central People's Government and concurrently minister of Foreign Affairs, Mao Zedong as chairman of the People's Revolutionary Military Commission of the Central People's Government, Zhu De as commander-in-chief of the People's Liberation Army, Shen Junru as president of the Supreme People's Court of the Central People's Government, and Luo Ronghuan as procurator general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the Central People's Government, and to charge them with the task of the speedy formation of the various organs of the government to carry out the work of the government. At the same time, the Central People's Government Council decided to declare to the governments of all other countries that this government is the sole legal government representing all the people of the People's Republic of China. This government is willing to establish diplomatic relations with any foreign government that is willing to observe the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect of territorial integrity and sovereignty. Mao Zedong Chairman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know it’s hard out there for a prince. The fourth sons of a fourth son, Khubilai of the Borjigin will grow up little recognized, and bound for a life of little more than comfortable obscurity. But between his mother’s machinations, his wife’s guidance, his own skills… and a healthy smattering of good fortune, he’ll find himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight and tasked with overseeing the conquest of the Mongols’ oldest foe. Time Period Covered: 1215-1259 CE Major Historical Figures: Mongol: Tolui [c. 1191-1232] – 4th son of Genghis Khan, Khubilai’s father Sorkhokhtani Beki [c. 1190-1252] – Khubilai’s mother, Nestorian Christian Möngke Khaghan [1209-1259] – Tolui’s eldest son, 4th Great Khan of the Mongols Khubilai, Ilkhan of the Left [1215-1289] – favored grandson of Genghis Hulagu, Ilkhan of the Right [1218-1265] – 3rd son of Tolui and Sorkhokhtani Ariq Böke [1219-1266] – youngest son of Tolui, Otchigin “Hearthkeeper” Chabi Khatun [1225-1281] – Khubilai’s 2nd wife & only love, Tibetan Buddhist North China: Minister Yao Shu Liu Bingzhong, Buddhist Monk, Adviser & Architect of Kaiping/Shangdu city The Phagspa Lama [1235-1280] Dali Kingdom: King Duan Xingzhi [r. 1251-1254, 1256-1260 (as Maharaja)] Prime Minister Gao Taixiang [d. 1253] Major Sources: Atwood, Christopher P. Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. Broadbridge, Anne F. Women and the Making of the Mongol Empire. Clements, Jonathan. A Brief History of Khubilai Khan: Lord of Xanadu, Founder of the Yuan. May, Timothy (ed.). The Mongol Empire: A Historical Encyclopedia, vol. 1. McLynn, Frank. Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy. Rossabi, Morris. “The Reign of Khubilai Khan” in The Cambridge History of China, v. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States, 907-1368. Weatherford, Jack. The Secret History of the Mongol Queens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kubla Khan BY SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE Or, a vision in a dream. A Fragment. In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers were girdled round; And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery. But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! A savage place! as holy and enchanted As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted By woman wailing for her demon-lover! And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething, As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing, A mighty fountain momently was forced: Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail, Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail: And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever It flung up momently the sacred river. Five miles meandering with a mazy motion Through wood and dale the sacred river ran, Then reached the caverns measureless to man, And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean; And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far Ancestral voices prophesying war! The shadow of the dome of pleasure Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure From the fountain and the caves. It was a miracle of rare device, A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice! A damsel with a dulcimer In a vision once I saw: It was an Abyssinian maid And on her dulcimer she played, Singing of Mount Abora. Could I revive within me Her symphony and song, To such a deep delight ’twould win me, That with music loud and long, I would build that dome in air, That sunny dome! those caves of ice! And all who heard should see them there, And all should cry, Beware! Beware! His flashing eyes, his floating hair! Weave a circle round him thrice, And close your eyes with holy dread For he on honey-dew hath fed, And drunk the milk of Paradise. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hangzhou is surrounded by the Mongol Yuan army, and is soon to fall. When the child-emperor and the Empress Dowager are taken captive, it will fall to the last two princes of House Zhao to flee to the islands and archipelagos of the Deep South, if they’re to stand any chance at all of keeping the flame of the Song from guttering out forever. Time Period Covered: 1275-1279 CE Southern Song: Grand Empress Dowager Xie Empress Dowager Chuan Emperor Zhao Xian (Gong of Song) [r.1274-1276, d. 1323] Emperor Zhao Shi (Duanzong) [r. 1276-1278] Emperor Zhao Bing [r. 1278-1279] Chancellor Chen Yizhong Mongol Yuan Dynasty: Khubilai, Mongol Khan & Emperor of Yuan General Bayan, Commander of the Southern Campaign General Atzuhan Admiral Dong Wenping Lt. Menkhutai Lt. Fan Wenhu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mongolia is gripped in a civil war of its own, meaning the Song Empire has a chance to breathe. But with the immediate threat allayed for now, other problems become apparent. And when the new Great Khan, Khubilai, returns his attention to the land south of the Yangtze, China will find out whether it was a decade well spent in preparation for the coming assault, on one utterly squandered. Time Period Covered: 1259-1275 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Empire: Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun) [r. 1221-1264] Emperor Duzong (Zhao Qi) [r. 1264 -1274] Grand Empress Dowager Xie [1210-1283] Chancellor Jia Sidao [1213-1275] Mongolia: Möngke [1209-1259] Khubilai [1215-1294] Ariq Böke [1219-1264] General Aju [1227-1287] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Genghis Khan is old, wracked by pain in his body and heart, and in spite of his best efforts, has come to accept there is one foe he cannot defeat: mortality itself. Thus, even before setting out on his campaign against the Khwarazmian Empire, he will assemble his four sons and together reach a fateful decision - who among them will rule when Genghis is gone? Note: This is part 1 of the 2-part conclusion to the life of Genghis Khan, with the conclusion available to subscribers! Time Period Covered: 1220-1227 CE Major Historical Figures: Genghis Khan [Temüjin] (1162-1227) Börte Khatun (c.1161-c.1130) Jochi (1181-1226) Chagatai Khan (1183-1242) Ögedei Khan (c.1186-1241) Tolui (c.1191-1232) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mongol Khanate is on the warpath against all who would stand against it... until several unexpected system errors for the whole system to reboot. How will Song China deal with these unexpected years of preparatory time? Time Period Covered: 1241-1260 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Emperor Lizong Chancellor Jia Sidao Mongol Empire: Ögedei Khan Toregene Khatun Guyuk Khan Oghul Khaimish Khatun Sorkhokhtani Beki Möngke Khan Khubilai Ilkhan General Uriyangkhadai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just off of the heady victory over the Jin Dynasty with their new BFFs, the Mongols, a first-in-a-century visit to the Imperial Tombs gives the Song court a brilliant idea - what if we just took them back without asking? What's the worst that could happen? Time Period Covered: 1234-1241 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Emperor Lizong Chancellor Zheng Qingzhi Chancellor Shi Miyuan [d. 1233] General Zhao Kui General Quan Zicai Mongol Khanate: Ögedei Khaghan Töregene Khatun Prince Khödan Prince Khöchu Ambassador Wang Qi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the course of their pursuit of the fleeing Khwarazmian Amir, Genghis Khan's two top commanders have reached the shores of the Caspian Sea, and heard some of the strangest tales about what - and who - lay beyond. When the Great Khan gives his go-ahead to scout it out, they'll launch a three-year trek that will remake the world in their bloody image. Time Period Covered: 1220-1221 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jin Dynasty is surrounded on all sides. It cannot get out. Soon enough, the Mongol stranglehold around Kaifeng will signal the Empire of Black & Gold's death-knell. Time Period Covered: 1224-1234 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With enemies on all sides, and the Mongol sledgehammer poised to strike its crushing blow against them, the Jin Dynasty seeks an out by plunging southward, only to find that the Song defenses have become the anvil on which they rest. Exhausted, they’ll seek peace at any cost… but will it be enough to save the tatters of their empire? Time Period Covered: 1217-1225 CE Major Historical Figures: Song: Emperor Ningzong (Zhao Kuo) [r. 1194-1224] Emperor Lizong (Zhao Yun) [r. 1224-1264] Empress Yang [1162-1232] Chancellor Shi Miyuan [1164-1233] Crown Prince Zhao Xun [1194-1220] Prince Zhao Hong [1207-1225] General Zhao Fang An Bing, Commandant of Sichuan Jin: Emperor Xuanzong (Wudubu/Wanyan Xun) [r. 1213-1224] Emperor Aizong (Ningjiasu/ Wanyan Shouxu) [r.1224-1234] Mongol: Genghis Khan (Temüjin) [r. 1206-1227] General Mukhali [1170-1223] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even after 30 years... When you're ordered to forget, to remember becomes an act of defiance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Jin Empire is all at once ripped apart from 4 different directions all at once: Shandong rebels from the east, Khitan from the northeast, Mongols from the northwest, and Tanguts from the West. So they decide to go the only direction left… and invade Southern Song. Time Period Covered: 1208-1217 CE Relevant Historical Figures: Song: Emperor Ningzong Chancellor Shi Miyuan Minister Zhen Dexiu Jin: Prince Wei Emperor Xuanzong Commander Hesheli Zhizhong Councilor Zhuhele Guoleqi Mongol: Genghis Khan Red Jacket Rebels: Yang the Saddler Khitan: Yelu Liuge, puppet-Emperor of Liao Dazhen Kingdom: Heavenly King Puxian Wannu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chancellor Han Tuozhou is down-but-not-yet-out following his ill-fated attempting to bring down the Neo-Confucians. Thus, in an attempt to salvage his career and reputation, he'll launch the Song Empire into full-scale war against the Jin Dynasty... with unexpected results. Time Period Covered: ca. 1200-1207 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Ningzong of Song Empress Yang Chancellor Han Tuozhou Minister Shi Miyuan General Wu Xi Commissioner Cheng Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neo-Confucianism has made a strong comeback through the synthesis of its various doctrines under the philosophical guidance of Zhu Xi of the Southern Song court. He and his likeminded ministers seek to bring back the perfection of eras gone by by being perfectly morally upright, and expecting everyone else to do the same. But when it turns out that certain other loose-living party-boys like Chancellor Han Tuozhou and Emperor Ningzong aren’t so thrilled about their buzzkilling ways, it will set up a massive conflict at court. Time Period Covered: 1194-1202 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Ningzong Chancellor Han Tuohzou Minister Zhu Xi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in Song China, we have a tale of two emperors: one who is devoted utterly to his father, and the other who's...well... not. Time Period Covered: 1165-1194 CE Major Historical Figures: Retired Emperor Gaozong [r. 1127-1162, as retired emperor 1162-1187] Emperor Xiaozong [r. 1162-1189, as retired emperor 1189-1194] Emperor Guangzong [r. 1189-1194] Empress Dowager Wu [1115-1197] Empress Li [1144-1200] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You know you want to... www.patreon.com/thehistoryofchina Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Temujin Khan crushes his enemies, sees them driven before him, and hears the lamentations of their women!!! Time Period Covered: ca. 1202-1206 CE Major Historical Figures: Borjigin/Mongol: Temujin (Genghis Khan) Khasar, Temujin's Brother Börte - Temujin's 1st Wife Yesugen - Temujin's 2nd Wife Yesui - Temujin's 3rd Wife Jochi, Temujin's first son(?) Jirkho’adai (Jebe the Arrow) Khubilai Jelme Subedei Jadaran: Jamukha (Gurkhan) - Temujin's anda/nemesis Kereyid: To'oril (Ong Khan) Senggum, Ong's son Cha'ur Beki, Ong's daughter Naiman: Tayang Khan Queen Gürbesu, Tayang's Wife/Stepmother Works Cited: Allsen, Thomas (1994). “The Rise of the Mongolian Empire and Mongolian Rule in North China” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 6: Alien Regimes and Border States. Kahn, Paul (tr.) (2005). The Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan. Onon, Urgunge (2001). The Secret History of the Mongols: The Life and Times of Chingghis Khan. Ostrowski, Donald (2002). Muscovy and the Mongols: Cross-Cultural Influences on the Steppe Frontier, 1304-1589. Pelliot, Paul (1959). Notes on Marco Polo, Vol. 1. Weatherford, Jack (2005). Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World. Weatherford, Jack (2017). Genghis Khan and the Quest for God. Weatherford, Jack (2011). The Secret History of the Mongol Queens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Temujin will enlist the aid of his recently-sworn father, To'oril AKA Ong Khan of the Kereyid to rescue his stolen wife, Börte. But his successful rescue of his beloved will only mark the beginning of his remarkable journey from isolated herder, to powerful khan of the steppes. Unfortunately, one of the sacrifices he'll be forced to make along the path to power will be that most-sacred: his sworn brotherhood with Jamukha, who will transform from Anda to Nemesis for Temujin. Time Period Covered: ca. 1178-1201 CE Major Historical Figures: Borjigin: Temujin, Khan of the Borjigin Börte, wife of Temujin Ho'elun, mother of Temujin Khasar, Brother of Temujin Belgutei, Half-Brother of Temujin Jelme, Companion of Temujin Bo'orchu, Companion of Temujin Jochi, Temujin's first-born son(?) Kereyid: To'oril, Khan of the Kereyid (Ong Khan) Jadaran: Jamukha (Gurkhan) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In spite of difficulties, Ho'elun and her family endeavor to persevere. Temüjin discovers the power of friendship, and the clarity of purpose that comes with true love <3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High in the wildlands of the Khentii Mountains, a tribe of hunters and scavengers comes into possession of a young and captured bride. Ripped out of her old life, she and the family her new husband create at the edge of the world will have to find a way to survive. Time Period Covered: ca. 1158~1170 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Both Song and Jin have a new set of emperors at the helm... it will mean war... and peace... but the riptides of history will ensure that, whatever the outcome of this conflict, very little will remain the same for much longer. Time Period Covered: ~1140-1162 CE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Gaozong really, *really* wants his dad's coffin. Qin Hui really, *really* wants to give the Jurchen whatever they ask for. The Jurchen really, *really* want the Mongol khan to stop tweaking their emperor's beard. Time Period Covered: 1135-1160 CE Major Works Cited: Allsen, Thomas. “Chapter 4: The rise of the Mongolian empire and Mongolian rule in north China” in Vol. 6, Alien Regimes and Border States. Franke, Herbert. “Chapter 3: The Chin Dynasty” in Vol. 6, Alien Regimes and Border States. Tao, Jing-Shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-Tsung” in Vol. 5, the Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

General Yue Fei will reach career highs as he strikes back against Jurchen aggression with remarkable success. He'll drive his enemies so fast and hard, that he'll drive the Jin Dynasty close to its breaking point. But on the precipice of victory, ministerial machinations back in Hangzhou will spell the undoing of him and his life's work... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this first of a two-part look into the life and legend of this epic Chinese hero, we chronicle Yue Fei's early life and education, his induction into the military to serve his nation with utmost loyalty, his meteoric rise through the ranks, and his stalwart resolve in facing the greatest crisis his country his known in centuries, all while garnering a cult-like following of soldiers, and the panicked attention of the imperial court. Time Period Covered: 1103-1137 CE Major Works Cited: Foster, Robert W. The Human Condition in Premodern China. Jenne, Jeremiah. “The Execution of Yue Fei: 875 Years of Patriotic Myth” from radiichina.com Li, Xiaobi. China at War. Lorge, Peter. War, Politics and Society in Early Modern China, 900-1795. Mote, Fredrick W. “Ch. 13: The Southern Song and Chinese Survival” in Imperial China 900-1800. Tao, Jing-shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-tsung” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol. 05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907-1279. Wills, Jr., John E. E. Mountain of Fame: Portraits in Chinese History. Zhou, Zuoren, trans. Tim Cronen. “A View of the Hero Yue Fei and the Traitor Qin Hui” in The China Heritage Quarterly No. 28, December 2011. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The JURCHEN JIN reigns. Having decimated the Song Dynasty, Emperor Jin Taizong now deploys his merciless legions to seize military control of the Yellow River Valley. Only Prince Zhao Gou and his band of LOYALIST ministers stand against the rising tyranny, certain that the last scion of Zhao can yet restore a spark of hope to the fight. But the Loyalists have been exposed. As the Jin cavalry speeds toward Yintian Fu, the brave heroes mount a desperate escape.... Historical Period Covered: 1127-1130 CE Major Historical Figures: Song Dynasty: Prince Zhao Gou, Prince of Kang (Emperor Gaozong of Song) [r. 1129-1162] Chancellor Li Gang [1083-1140] Yue Fei, LEGENDARY CHINESE HERO [1103-1142] General Zong Ze, He Tried [d. 1129] General Du Cheng, Brave Sir Du Cheng Ran Away... Bravely Ran Away, Away! General Han Shizheng, He Means Business Jin Dynasty: Emperor Taizong of Jin (Wuqimai) [r. 1123-1135] Prince Wanyan Wuzhu, Commander of Jin Strikeforce [d. 1148] Zhang Bangchang, Puppet Emperor of Great Chu [r. 1129-1129] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Song Dynasty manages to epically pull defeat from the jaws of victory when it manages to twice goad its nominal ally, the Jurchen Jin, into a border war. The first time, it’s beaten so badly that it has to give up almost half of its northern holdings. But when even that’s not enough to quench Emperor Qinzong’s delusions of grandeur, he and his regime will pay with everything they have… Time Period Covered: 1125-1127 CE Major Historical Figures: Northern Song: Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) [r. 1100-1126, ret. Emperor 1126-1127] Emperor Qinzong of Song (Zhao Huan) [r. 1126-1127] General Tong Guan [1054–1126] General Wang Bing [d. 1126] Jurchen Jin: Emperor Taizong of Jin (Wuqimai) [r. 1123-1135] Prince Wanyan Zonghan (Nianhan) [1080-1136] Prince Wanyan Zongwang (Wolibu) [c. 1073-1133?] Zhang Bangchang, Puppet Emperor of Chu [1081–1127] Major Works Cited: Levine, Ari Daniel. “The Reigns of Hui-Tsung and Ch-in-Tsung” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol.05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907–1279. Part 1. Lorge, Peter Allen. War, Politics, and Society in Early Modern China, 900-1795 Tao, Jing-shen. “The Move to the South and the Reign of Kao-Tsung (1127–1162)” in The Cambridge History of China, Vol.05: The Sung Dynasty and Its Precursors, 907–1279. Part 1. Various. the Accounts of Jingkang Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A very sexy Halloween edition... Stir Fry - 1:45 Steel Skin - 4:15 Silkworm - 5:35 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our third entry of Seasonal Spookiness for your unsettling aural pleasure. From Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio (聊齋志異) by: Pu Songling 1:25 - "The Girl in Green" 8:30 - "A Very Sharp Sword" 10:45 - "He Came Back" 18:25 - "A Transformation" 22:45 - "Mr. Miao" 34:05 - "A Prank" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emperor Huizong’s Song Dynasty’s luck runs dry with a series of epic screw up that throw the whole system in disarray. War with the Tangut Xi Xia goes badly awry – and his generals won’t even tell him about it. And then rebellions start breaking out in the south – on by a millennialist death-cult led by a 12th century Jim Jones: Fang La… and another breaking out in the swamps and marshes of Liangshan, and led by Chinese Robin Hood of literary fame: Song Jiang. All of this will throw the Song military's carefully laid plans against the crumbling Khitan Liao into disarray, and make their would-be allies the Jurchen Jin wary of how reliable a partner the Chinese might actually be. Time Period Covered: 1103-1123 CE Major Historical Figures: Emperor Huizong of Song (Zhao Ji) [r. 1100-1126] Chancellor Cai Jing [1047-1126] General Tong Guan, Commander of the Imperial Armies, eunuch [1054-1126] Fang La, lacquer farmer-cum-millenialist death-cult leader and rebel commander, mad as hell and not going to take it anymore [d. 1121] Song Jiang, Liangshan rebel commander, Leader Star of Destiny, “Timely Rain,” Haohan Hero [d. ca. 1123] "Chapter/Poetry Music" "Spring River Flower Moon Night" 古筝 - 春江花月夜 - played on guzheng Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices