The Yuan dynasty was established in 1279 and lasted till 1368. The dynasty was founded by a khan by the name of Kublai Khan, who fell in love with the lavish lifestyle of the emperor. Kublai made several changes to China that lead to his success. He moved the capital to Beijing, the modern day capital of China, and extended the Grand Canal to reach it. He built a highway on the side of the canal, further increasing trade between the north and south. With very little experience in governing such a large empire, he left Chinese officials in lower administrative posts to run the country while the higher posts went to Mongol officials. The Mongols lived separately from the Chinese, living by different laws. Even though they lived separately and didn’t mingle with the Chinese, the Mongols lost many of their nomadic skills because of new settled lifestyle.

     Marco Polo was a traveling merchant from the Venetian court. He served the Emperor for 17 years. When he returned to Europe, he brought back information. He eventually wrote a book on his experiences, but most didn’t believe him. Nobody believed that a small black rock could keep a hearth going, (coal), but they did embrace the idea of noodles, seen in Italian cuisine.

     The fall and decline of the Yuan dynasty was a series of failed conquests to expand the Khanate but ended up costing the empire more than they gained. Kublai tried to conquer Japan twice, but failed twice (once in 1274 and then again in 1281). He sent massive fleets from Korea, forcing the koreans to build ships and provide provisions for his troops. The second fleet was decimated by a typhoon, known as the “Divine wind” or Kamikaze by the Japanese. Several conquests into Southeast Asia suffered many defeats, costing many lives and equipment. These conquests taxed the people heavily, and created resentment among China’s citizens. After Kublai’s death, the Yuan dynasty fell apart into chaos, arguing over who would resume the throne. Rebellions against the Mongols increased, and in 1368 they were overthrown.