Dynasties | Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368

The invasion of China by the northern 'barbarians' from Mongolia was at first a huge trauma for China. However as with previous invasions, the invaders eventially took to the Chinese ways that were convenient to them. At this time Europeans such as Marco Polo visited during the Yuan dynasty and reported tantalising glimpses of life in China. Knowledge of China started having an impact in Europe under the huge Mongol empire. Perhaps it was fortunate that Khubilai rather than his brutal grandfather Genghis ruled China. Khubilai (Chinese temple name Shizu) seems content to rule China rather than expand the Great Khanate empire. It was not long before the new rulers settled down with the existing infrastructure. It was in their interest to continue to use the well established and efficient civil service and tax system. The capital now moved to Beijing for the first time and it was laid out according to Chinese planning rules. The Grand Canal was extended to link to the new Capital and was now over one thousand miles long. Confucianism remained the prevailing doctrine.

Towards the end, nationalist sentiment invigorated by the suppressed Daoists led to the collapse and overthrow of the hated, foreign rulers.

See Also : Map of China during the Yuan Dynasty