Northern Yuan

Quick Facts: Who was Northern Yuan?

Subject:

Northern Yuan

Known for:

A post-Yuan Mongol state ruling the Mongolian Plateau from 1368 to 1635.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Northern Yuan was a dynastic state ruled by the Mongol Borjigin clan based in the Mongolian Plateau. It existed as a rump state after the collapse of the Yuan dynasty in 1368 and lasted until its conquest by the Jurchen-led Later Jin dynasty in 1635, which was later renamed as the Qing dynasty. The Northern Yuan dynasty began with the retreat of the Yuan imperial court led by Toghon Temür (Emperor Huizong of Yuan) to the Mongolian steppe. This period featured factional struggles and the often only nominal role of the Great Khan. Dayan Khan and Mandukhai Khatun reunited most Mongol tribes in the late 15th century.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

However, the former's distribution of his empire among his sons and relatives as fiefs caused the decentralization of the imperial rule. Despite this decentralization, a remarkable concord continued within the Dayan Khanid aristocracy, and intra-Chinggisid civil war remained unknown until the reign of Ligdan Khan (1604–1634), who saw much of his power weakened in his quarrels with the Mongol tribes and was defeated by the Later Jin dynasty. The last sixty years of this period featured the intensive penetration of Tibetan Buddhism into Mongol society. The name "Northern Yuan" is a historiographical naming convention for convenience. The dynastic name "Great Yuan" was abandoned by the Jorightu Khan Yesüder in 1388, however certain Mongol leaders continued to evoke the name of Great Yuan on occasion up to the early 17th century.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The regime that existed between 1368 and 1635 is known by various names, including the Northern Yuan (dynasty). The dynastic name of "Great Yuan'" (Chinese: 大元; pinyin: Dà Yuán) was officially used between 1368 and 1388, as was the preceding Yuan dynasty. Following the death of Uskhal Khan Tögüs Temür, the "Great Yuan" dynastic name along with other Han-style imperial titles were abandoned by his successor Jorightu Khan Yesüder; hence, the name "Northern Yuan" is sometimes limited in its usage to referencing only the period between 1368 and 1388. The historiographical term "Northern Yuan" in the English language is derived from the corresponding term "北元" (Běi Yuán) in the Chinese language, in which the prefix "Northern" is used to distinguish between the Yuan dynasty established in 1271 and the regime that existed after 1368. The historiographical name "Northern Yuan" first appeared in the Korean historical text Goryeosa written in Classical Chinese.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1271: 1271 Milestone — The historiographical term "Northern Yuan" in the English language is derived from the corresponding term "北元" (Běi Yuán) in the Chinese language, in which the prefix "Northern" is used to distinguish between the Yuan dynasty established in 1271 and the regime that existed after 1368.
2. 1368: 1368 Milestone — It existed as a rump state after the collapse of the Yuan dynasty in 1368 and lasted until its conquest by the Jurchen-led Later Jin dynasty in 1635, which was later renamed as the Qing dynasty.
3. 1388: 1388 Milestone — The dynastic name "Great Yuan" was abandoned by the Jorightu Khan Yesüder in 1388, however certain Mongol leaders continued to evoke the name of Great Yuan on occasion up to the early 17th century.
4. 1604: 1604 Milestone — Despite this decentralization, a remarkable concord continued within the Dayan Khanid aristocracy, and intra-Chinggisid civil war remained unknown until the reign of Ligdan Khan (1604–1634), who saw much of his power weakened in his quarrels with the Mongol tribes and was defeated by the Later Jin dynasty.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Northern Yuan

True or False: “The Northern Yuan dynasty was officially recognized by the Ming Dynasty as a legitimate rival power throughout its entire existence.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While the Northern Yuan maintained imperial titles, the Ming Dynasty eventually established itself as the true rulers of China proper.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Charles VI of France — Historical peer (Born in 1368) (1368): King of France, known for his reign from 1380 to 1422, plagued by mental illness.
• Emperor Go-Murakami — Historical peer (Died in 1368) (1368): 97th Emperor of Japan, reigning during the turbulent Nanboku-chō period.
• Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon — Historical peer (Born in 1635) (1635): Influential noblewoman and second wife of Louis XIV, Marquise de Maintenon.
• Lope de Vega — Historical peer (Died in 1635) (1635): Master of the Spanish Golden Age, Lope de Vega revolutionized theatre and poetry.
• Isabella Andreini — Historical peer (Died in 1604) (1604): Pioneering Italian actress and writer, famed for her role in commedia dell'arte.
• John IV of Portugal — Historical peer (Born in 1604) (1604): King of Portugal during the Restoration War, establishing the House of Braganza.
• Albrecht von Wallenstein — Historical peer (Died in 1634) (1634): Bohemian military leader and statesman, key figure in the Thirty Years' War.
• Edward Coke — Historical peer (Died in 1634) (1634): A towering English jurist whose work championed the supremacy of common law over the Crown.
• Wang Zhen (inventor) — Historical peer (Born in 1271) (1271): Yuan Dynasty agronomist, inventor, and pioneer of wooden movable type printing.
• Wenceslaus II of Bohemia — Historical peer (Born in 1271) (1271): King of Bohemia, Duke of Cracow, and King of Poland; a pivotal figure in Bohemian history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Northern Yuan