By 1206, Genghis Kahn had united the steppe (step) tribes of Mongolia and set his sights on China. Over the next 160 years, Genghis and his descendants would conquer all of it and set up a new Mongol dynasty in China. The Mongols were fierce, brilliant, and often-misunderstood people. At their height, they controlled the largest land empire in world history. Their armies were ruthless yet fair, their leaders tolerant yet cunning. Life in Mongol China was not for the weak of heart. It was a prosperous time for some…and a deadly time for others. From deadly archers and spy craft to disease and gunpowder, it was a tough era to be alive.

In today’s video we’re exploring why you wouldn’t survive life in Mongol China.