Ögedei Khan

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Ögedei (1186-1241) was the third son of Genghis Khan and second Great Khan of the Mongol Empire by succeeding his father. He continued the expansion of the empire that his father had begun. Like all of Genghis' sons, he played a part in conquests in Western China and Central Asia. Ögedei was thought to be his father's favorite son, ever since his childhood. As an adult, Ögedei was known for his ability to sway doubters in any debate he was involved, simply by the force of his personality. Although less schooled than his father, and despite his drinking habits, he was intelligent and steady in character.

[edit] After Genghis Khan's Death

He was elected supreme khan in 1229, according to the kuriltai held after Genghis' death, but this was never really in doubt as it was Genghis' clear wish that he be succeeded by Ögedei. During his reign, the Mongols completed the destruction of the Jin Dynasty (in 1234), coming into contact and conflict with the Southern Song. In 1235, under the khan's direct command, the Mongols began a war of conquest that would not end for forty-five years, and would result in the addition of all of China. Mongol armies, established permanent control of Persia proper (commanded by Chormagan) and expanded westward under the command of Batu Khan to take the Russian steppe.