Time period focus: 13th-14th century
Primary resource: Food & Gold
The Mongol deck centers on the empire of Genghis Khan and his successors up to Kublai Khan. Under Genghis Khan, the empire expanded rapidly, stretching from East Asia to Europe’s steppes and becoming the largest contiguous empire in history. At its height, a quarter of the world’s population lived under Mongol rule.
Mongol expansion was fueled by their nomadic expertise and the innovations they adopted from conquered lands. Initially unfamiliar with siege warfare, the Mongols incorporated advanced siege engines from China, relentlessly capturing cities and integrating new technologies into their army. The discovery of black powder in China further revolutionized their arsenal, transforming fireworks into powerful weapons capable of toppling city walls.
In open fields, the Mongols’ nomadic roots shone. Raised on horseback and trained in archery from a young age, every native Mongol was a natural warrior. Their swift cavalry archers, led by feared generals known as the “Dogs of War,” dominated the battlefield with their speed and precision.