Toluid Civil War Timeline

The Death of Mongke Khan

1259

The Death of Mongke Khan (shown in the picture) in 1259, led to the fighting between Kublai Khan and his younger brother Ariq Boke. Due to the inability of Mongke Khan to select a successor before he died, this war occurred in order to name the new successor, which became known as the Toluid Civil War.

Formation of Kublai’s Kurultai

1260

Kublai (shown in the picture) established a council of most senior princes in North China and Manchuria and representatives from all Borjigin lines. Unfortunately, Hulago, one of Kublai’s closest supporters was unable to attend the council as the Mamluk defeated the Mongols in the battle of Ain Jalut forcing him to turn back. In the end, Kublai’s Kurultai (council) officially declared him Great Khan in 1260.

Formation of Ariq’s Kurultai

1260

In response, a month later, Ariq Boke (shown in the picture) held Kurultai, with the support from the majority of Genghis Khan’s followers and most member of the Tolui family. Which ultimately led to his council naming him the Great Khan.

Berke- Hulagu War

1262

Due to the Mongol defeat in the battle of Ain Jalut, Berke a new ally of Ariq Boke moved in to attack the Ilkhanate, an ally of Kublai Khan. This invasion led to the Berke- Hulagu War, and left the two bothers to fight with little help from their allies.

Dependent on Resources

1262

Throughout the war, both Kublai and Ariq were heavily dependent on resources, however how one achieve resources would ultimately influence the war. Ariq Boke had to import all his resources from Karakorum, whereas Kublai had access to his resources from China’s fertile land (shown in the picture).

Battle at Shimultai

1263

Kublai and Ariq went into battle(shown in the picture), however quickly Ariq retreated and lost the battle. After a defeat, Ariq returned and attacked a small group of troops that he believed to be Kublai’s troops. Ariq later found out that there were very few troops from Kublai’s army and the encounter ended in a draw. Ariq’s power continues to decline as Kublai gains control of the Mongols and gets closer to obtaining Ariq’s Yenisei Valley supply line.

The Seizing of Resources

1263

Kublai sent Lian Xixian, one of his Confucian advisers to command soldiers in western China (shown in the picture), which led to the seizing of Ariq Boke’s resources. Xixian also drove out Ariq Boke’s supporters and protected Kublai’s land from invading Ariq Boke’s troops. These victories left Ariq with only one ally, and ultimately, gave the advantage to Kublai.

Ariq enters Alghu

1263

Ariq and Alghu go to war, after Ariq goes to Alghu for help in the war and Alghu declines. The war resulted with Alghu defeating Ariq’s commander, leaving Ariq with only one ally and very few resources.

Chinese Support

1263

Due to Kublai’s heavy reliance on China, he had to gain Chinese support. To achieve this, Kublai began promising to reduce taxes, modeled his government based on governments of Chinese dynasties, and adapted the era name Zhongtong. Ultimately, this gained the support of Northern China, however southern china was still against him.

Ariq Surrenders

1264

After the numerous defeats, Ariq official realizes his lack of resources and allies after being defeated by Alghu. He eventually traveled to Shangdu (shown in the picture) and surrenders to Kublai, ending the civil war and officially stating Kublai as the Great Khan.

Work Cited Continued

1265

4.“How Old Is Ariq Böke? Age, Birthday, Facts.” How Old Is Ariq Böke? Age, Birthday, Facts, howold.co/ariq-boke. 5.“Hulagu Khan - Alchetron, The Free Social Encyclopedia.” Alchetron.com, 25 Oct. 2018, alchetron.com/Hulagu-Khan. 6.“China: A National Water Emergency.” China: A National Water Emergency | EARTH 103: Earth in the Future, www.e-education.psu.edu/earth103/node/905. 7.“Shangdu - Episodes.” Human Circus, humancircuspodcast.com/episodes/tag/Shangdu.

Work Cited

1265

1. Unknown. “Toluid Civil War.” The Info List, 2017, www.theinfolist.com/php/SummaryGet.php?FindGo=Toluid_Civil_War.
2. Hays, Jeffrey. “MONGOL KHANS AFTER GENGHIS: OGEDEI, GUYUK AND MONGKE.” Facts and Details, factsanddetails.com/asian/cat65/sub423/item2693.html.
3. Bawden, Charles R. “Kublai Khan.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1 Jan. 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Kublai-Khan.

Work Cited

1266

8.Rosino, Daniel. “Mongol Khans.” Mongol Khans, www.mongolkhans.com/.