Mongke Khan

Möngke was elected as the fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire with the support of Batu and his family, ending a period of regency after Güyük's death. His election was contested by the Ögedeid and Chagataid families, leading to purges.

Möngke launched a massive campaign against the Southern Song dynasty, personally leading the western army while his brother Kublai attacked from the north. The campaign stalled at Diaoyu Fortress, where Möngke died, but it set the stage for Kublai's later conquest.

Möngke ordered a systematic purge of the Ögedeid and Chagataid princes and their supporters, accusing them of plotting against him. Hundreds of nobles were executed, consolidating Möngke's power and centralizing the empire under the Toluid line.

Möngke ordered his brother Hulagu to lead a massive Mongol army into the Middle East to conquer the Abbasid Caliphate and the Ismaili fortresses. This campaign resulted in the destruction of Baghdad in 1258 and the establishment of the Ilkhanate.

Möngke died during the siege of Diaoyu Fortress in Sichuan, possibly from dysentery or a battle wound. His death triggered a succession crisis that led to the division of the Mongol Empire into four khanates.