Karakorum (aka Qaraqorum, modern name: Harhorin) is located in the Orkhon Valley of central Mongolia and was the capital of the Mongol Empire from 1235 to 1263. Ogedei Khan (r. 1229-1241) ordered its construction, and had a walled palace built. He made the city a thriving trade centre by attracting merchants of all nationalities and faiths there.
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Definition
Timeline
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1235Ogedei Khan orders the construction of a new capital of the Mongol Empire at Karakorum, Mongolia.
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1235 - 1263Karakorum is capital of the Mongol Empire.
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11 Dec 1241Ogedei Khan, ruler of the Mongol Empire, dies at the capital Karakorum.
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1253 - 1255The Franciscan missionary and chronicler William of Rubruck visits the Mongol Empire, including the capital Karakorum.
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1262Kublai Khan captures Karakorum after his rival nAriq Boke (1219-1266 CE) used it as his base.
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1370The last Yuan Dynasty emperor, Toghon Temur (r. 1333-1368 CE), dies at Karakorum.
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1586The Buddhist monastery at Erdene Zuu is built resuing many blocks from the Mongol palace at Karakorum.
