The History of the World Podcast, written and presented by Chris Hasler. Volume 4, The Medieval World, Episode 75, Ming China. And A few episodes back and we discussed the fall of the Song Dynasty of Southern China in the year 1279. The Mongols were not known for their naval expertise

but following their conquest of the Jin Dynasty of Northern China, they would become

familiar with the Chinese knowledge of shipbuilding.

This would ultimately enable the Mongols to finish off the song at the sea battle called

the Battle of Yaman. China was now entirely in foreign hands for the very first time in its history.

The Mongols established a new ruling dynasty of China called the Yuan dynasty.

The Mongol Emperor of China was Kubla Khan, the grandson of Chingis Khan. It would be Kubla Khan and his successors who would lead China into the 14th century.

During Kubla Khan's lifetime, Yuan, China would look to expand its local influence.

Invasions of Japan and Southeast Asia took place.

Domestically Kubla Khan would introduce a style of caste system to China.

Mongolians would be the highest class of people and would occupy the most influential political positions. The next class would be made up of non-Chinese foreigners, so somebody like Marco Polo is likely to be considered in this second tier called Senu.

The lowest two classes were the Han population or those who were ethnically Chinese

with those in the far south receiving the fewest privileges and the harshest punishments.

This situation would create ill feeling within the lowest classes.

Certainly since the age of the Tang Dynasty of China which lasted from the 7th to the 10th century, a type of porcelain called blue and white porcelain

was being produced. During the age of the Yuan dynasty, the art of blue and white porcelain production was being perfected

and became much more widespread and popular and this would continue to grow in popularity in the future.

The Yuan would produce a higher quality clay and blue pigment and would produce more

due to the fact that they believed that they could sell it to other cultures

at the Western ends of the Silk Road.

The most iconic Emperor of Yuan, China was Kubla Khan,

but the dynasty would continue on after his death in 1294.

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