In the year 1258, two of the greatest empires in world history collided.

For one, it was yet another in an incredible string of conquests.

For the other, it resulted in its downfall and the destruction of one of the greatest centers of knowledge and learning.

And for the people who suffered through it, it was one of the worst days in world history.

Learn more about the Mongol Siege of Baghdad on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. The Mongol Empire and the Abysid Caliphate would both be put on the list of the greatest empires in history.

While the heart of each empire, the Arabian Peninsula and the steps of Mongolia were far apart,

the expansion of both empires eventually brought them into deadly conflict.

The Mongols sprung onto the world stage in dramatic fashion in the early 13th century.

The founder of the Mongol Empire, Gingus Khan, achieved the difficult feat of conquering and unifying the Mongol tribes.

And having achieved that, he then led the Mongols to a string of incredible conquests running

as far as China, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Persia.

When Genghis Khan died in 1227, unlike Alexander the Great, the empire didn't die with

him.

Different bands of Mongols continued to expand and conquer.

In particular, for the purpose of this episode,

in Persia, the Middle East and eastern Turkey,

the Mongols were known as the Il-Conate.

In 1252, the leader of the Mongols in the southwestern part of the empire became

Hulagu Khan. He was the brother of the great Khan, Mongke Khan and the Mongol ruler of China

Kublakan.

The Ilkhanate found themselves in conflict with the major power of the region for the last several

centuries, the Abbasid Caliphate.

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