Mongol Princesses Who Ruled the Golden Horde

When we picture the Golden Horde, we usually think of khans and warriors — but some of its most powerful rulers were women. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the forgotten queens and princesses who wielded real political authority in the Jochid ulus. From Taidula Khatun, who corresponded with popes and negotiated with Russian princes, to the remarkable reign of Tulunbek Khanum, who actually minted coins in her own name during the Great Troubles, we uncover a world where Mongol noblewomen commanded armies, controlled vast estates, and shaped the fate of empires. Drawing on chronicles, coin hoards, and diplomatic letters, the conversation reveals how these women navigated the intersection of steppe tradition, Islamic conversion, and Russian resistance. We also look at the institution of the khatun — the senior wife — and how her political role evolved from Batu's time through the 14th century. Along the way, we touch on the mysterious disappearance of women from the historical record and what that tells us about the biases of the sources we rely on. #GoldenHorde #MongolWomen #TaidulaKhatun #TulunbekKhanum #Khatun #JochidUlus #Sarai #GreatTroubles #MongolEmpire #SteppeHistory #MedievalRussia #WomenInHistory #CoinHoards #Numismatics #MongolDiplomacy #History #FexingoHistory #CentralAsia Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo