[December 11] Ögedei, khagan of the Mongol Empire

Local Name: ᠦᠭᠦᠳᠡᠢ
Parents: Genghis, khagan of the Mongol Empire, and Börte Ujin
Date of Birth: circa 1186
House: Borjigin
Spouse(s): Törgene of the Naimans, among others
Predecessor: Tolui
Reign: 1228 – 1241

Brief: Ögedei was the most powerful of the Mongol great khans. When his father still lived, Ögedei ruled over a large territory of land within Mongolia and in the Siberian Steppe. Beginning in 1211, he campaigned with his brothers against the Jin Dynasty of northern China, eventually annexing Chinese lands to how own. He then joined his brother, Changatai, in his conquest of Persia, during which time a feud broke out between Changatai and another brother, Jochi. Because of the feud, Ögedei was chosen as the most proper successor to Genghis, though a younger brother briefly ruled in a regency after Genghis' death in 1227. While Genghis was a great conqueror, it was Ögedei that brought the Mongol Empire to Europe's attention. He moved out in all directions, conquering most of Persia, northern China, the Caucasus kingdoms of Georgia and Armenia, Korea, and parts of India, eventually bringing him to the doorstep of Europe. Virtually all of Russia was conquered or reduced to vassalage, while Hungary and Poland were also annexed as vassals. Within Mongolia, Ögedei adopted Christian, Islamic, and Confucian aspects into a new bureaucratic government. He was a popular ruler, chasimatic and fair, while also faithful to his followers. His successors aspired to emulate him but generally failed. Further attacks were being made against Austria and the Holy Roman Empire when Ögedei died. His successors were unable to make further progress into Europe, though the empire did not reach its height until Kublai Khan.
Date of Death: 11 December 1241

Successor: Güyük

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