The Mongols were a group of nomadic tribes from the grasslands of Central Asia, primarily the Mongolian steppe region. They lived a pastoral nomadic lifestyle, raising animals like sheep, goats, horses, and camels, and moving frequently across the steppes. In the early 1200s, a warrior named Temüjin united the various Mongol tribes into a single confederation and took the title Genghis Khan, meaning "universal ruler." Under his leadership, the Mongols formed the largest contiguous land empire in history, stretching from China to Eastern Europe at its height. The Mongol Empire continued to expand and rule large parts of Asia and Europe under Genghis Khan's successors, including his grandson Kublai Khan, who ruled China and established the Yuan dynasty. The Mongols are historically recognized for their military prowess, extensive conquests, as well as fostering significant cultural and economic exchanges across Eurasia during their empire's reign.
