Kublai Khan was a grandsonof Chinggis Khan and theemperor of China.

Kublai Khan adopted the Chinese name “Yuan” for his dynasty.

Kublai Khan encouraged hisMongol soldiers to adopt Chinese ways.

However, Chinese

men werenot

allowed to serve in

theMongol

government.

Kublai Khan built a new capitalcity in Beijing, China.

During the reign of Kublai Khan,a period of peace in the Mongol

Empire known as the Pax Mongolia began.

Trade and travel greatly increased during thistime of peace.

The Mongols built roads andhighways and protectedtravelers.

During this period of peace,Marco Polo, the Italian merchant,visited Kublai Khan’s court.

Astounded by the technologicalsuperiority of the Chinese,Marco Polo shared his storiesof China’s fabulous wealth.

A book was written about thetravels of Marco Polo. Itwas very popular in WesternEurope.

Marco Polo’s travels increasedEuropean interest in China.