Mongol rule brought not only Mongolian culture, but influences from other parts of the empire as well, such as China and Persia. This was seen in areas like art, food, and military organization.

In the 1200s, European rulers trembled before Mongol forces sacking their cities. But then the army withdrew—the reason why is still up for debate.

The Mongol Empire emerged in the 13th century under the leadership of Genghis Khan, born Temujin in 1162. In just a few decades, they conquered more land than any empire before or since. Their ...

Internal squabbling, succession battles and attrition from enemy attacks eventually fragmented the Mongol Empire, which began to collapse in the middle of the 14th century.

Manvir Singh reviews “The Mongol Storm,” by Nicholas Morton; “The Horde,” by Marie Favereau; “Empires of the Steppes,” by Kenneth W. Harl; and “Nomads,” by Anthony Sattin.

Mongol rule brought not only Mongolian culture, but influences from other parts of the empire as well, such as China and Persia. This was seen in areas like art, food, and military organization.