1. Kublai Khan was a grandson of Chinggis Khan and the emperor of China.

2. Kublai Khan adopted the Chinese name “Yuan” for his dynasty.

3. Kublai Khan encouraged his Mongol soldiers to adopt Chinese ways.

4. However, Chinese men were not allowed to serve in the Mongol government.

5. Kublai Khan built a new capital city in Beijing, China.

6. During the reign of Kublai Khan, a period of peace in the Mongol Empire known as the Pax Mongolia began.

7. Trade and travel greatly increased during this time of peace.

8. The Mongols built roads and highways and protected travelers.

9. During this period of peace, Marco Polo, the Italian merchant, visited Kublai Khan’s court.

10. Astounded by the technological superiority of the Chinese, Marco Polo shared his stories of China’s fabulous wealth.

11. A book was written about the travels of Marco Polo. It was very popular in Western Europe.

12. Marco Polo’s travels increased European interest in China.