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 Genghis Khan soon assembled a ferocious army and launched a far-reaching campaign of conquest that continued long after his death. All across Asia and Eastern Europe kings and princes trembled at rumors that the Mongol Hordes were approaching their borders. Cities and entire countries fell before the attacking horsemen. In a few decades, the Mongols created the largest empire the world had ever known. Wealthy China was the most desirable prize, and it was not easily won. The Chinese fought back, but the Mongols were relentless. Cities that resisted were destroyed and the people were slaughtered. City after city surrendered. The assault continued for many years. Finally, in 1279, Genghis Khan's grandson, Khubilai Khan (koo-bill-eye kahn), overthrew the last emperor of the Song (soong) dynasty. He took the throne for himself and his descendants, naming his new dynasty the Yuan. Never before had a Mongol reigned over all of China. China's great fear had been realized. Barbarians ruled the land |