Question

Which Chinese tradition did Genghis Khan invoke?

Answer 1

Genghis Khan embraced the Chinese tradition of being the 'Son of Heaven' to legitimize his rule over conquered Chinese territories. This was continued by his grandson Kublai Khan, who declared the Mandate of Heaven had shifted to him after the Yuan dynasty's establishment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Genghis Khan, the formidable Mongol leader, invoked Chinese traditions by declaring himself Son of Heaven after his conquests. This term is traditionally associated with Chinese emperors and their divine right to rule. When his grandson Kublai Khan continued the expansion and eventually became victorious over the Song Dynasty, he proceeded to proclaim the Mandate of Heaven had shifted to him, legitimizing his rule and establishing the Yuan dynasty. The Mongols, under Genghis Khan's leadership, retained a strong connection to their origins while extending their rule over various peoples, including the Chinese. Genghis Khan also enacted the yassa, a legal code that changed traditional Mongol practices to unite his empire, which included a policy of religious tolerance that facilitated the governance of their vast and culturally diverse territories.

Answer 2

Genghis Khan is the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, which was actually founded during his grandson's rule. Kublai Khan, took the next step of the founding of the Yuan Dynasty to Genghis Khan, his ancestor.  In the Chinese Ming dynasty, Yuan dynasty was considered to have a great influence.