Mongol Princesses Who Ruled the Horde

When we think of the Mongol Empire and the Golden Horde, we usually picture male khans and warriors. But behind the throne — and sometimes on it — stood powerful women who managed empires, commanded armies, and shaped dynastic politics. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the role of Mongol princesses, or khatuns, in the Jochid ulus. They discuss how Chinggisid women wielded authority through the yasa law, controlled vast estates and armies, and even ruled as regents or de facto leaders during succession crises. Key figures include Töregene Khatun, who governed the Mongol Empire after Ögedei's death; Sorghaghtani Beki, the Nestorian Christian mother of Khubilai and Hulegu; and lesser-known Jochid princesses like Taidula, who negotiated with Russian princes and popes alike. Lucas also explains the institution of the 'khatun' in Mongol tradition, the economic power of princesses through the ordu system, and the diplomatic marriages that linked the Horde to Byzantium, the Mamluks, and beyond. Learn how these women navigated a warrior society and left their mark on Eurasian history. #MongolPrincesses #Khatun #TöregeneKhatun #SorghaghtaniBeki #Taidula #GoldenHorde #JochidUlu #MongolEmpire #Chinggisid #Yasa #Ordu #Regency #CentralAsia #SteppeEmpires #WomenInHistory #MedievalHistory #History #FexingoHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo