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welcome to Life of the Week from History Extra.

We're leading historians delve into the lives of history's most intriguing and significant figures.

When Kublai Khan became ruler of the Mongol Empire in 1260,

it stretched from the Sea of Japan all the way to Eastern Europe.

That Kublai was able to hold this vast territory together for the most parts

and mastermind the unification of China is testimony to his capabilities as a leader.

Speaking to Spencer Mism in today's Life of the Week episode, Nicholas Morton reveals how Kublai built on the extraordinary

achievements of his grandfather Genghis. So hi though Nick, thank you for joining us

today. We're going to talk today about Kubla Khan. So I wonder if you

could start by giving our listeners a quick introduction to Kubla Khan. Who was he in a nutshell?

Okay so it's the early 13th century and Chingis Khan or perhaps more famously Genghis Khan his empire is expanding aggressively on multiple

frontiers.

One of those frontiers is into northern China and this becomes a major area, major war zone for the

Mongols as they seek to broaden their empire and establish what will become

...