Mongol Women: Power, Politics, and the Steppe Queens

This episode of The Mongol Invasions turns away from the battlefields to examine the women who shaped the Mongol Empire from within. Hosts Lucas and Luna explore the political power of the khatuns — empresses like Töregene and Oghul Qaimish, who ruled the empire as regents and manipulated succession. They discuss the legendary Alaqa of the Onggirat, the diplomatic influence of Sorghaghtani Beki, and the military role of women like Khutulun. The episode also covers the legal protections for women in the Yassa code, the economic independence of Mongol wives, and the cultural practice of levirate marriage. Drawing on sources like The Secret History of the Mongols, Rashid al-Din, and Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, the conversation reveals the surprising agency of women in a society often remembered for its male conquerors. Listeners will learn how royal women managed vast estates, commanded troops, and even influenced the adoption of religions across the empire. #MongolWomen #Khatun #Töregene #OghulQaimish #SorghaghtaniBeki #Khutulun #MongolEmpire #SteppeQueens #Yassa #LevirateMarriage #SecretHistoryoftheMongols #RashidalDin #GiovannidaPianodelCarpine #GenghisKhan #MongolSociety #WomenInHistory #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo