Explore the violent rise and far-reaching impact of the Mongol Empire in this 31-minute video lecture from Wondrium's series "The Mongol Empire." Delve into the life of Genghis Khan, his claim to a heavenly mandate, and the subsequent unification of Eurasia through conquest. Trace the Mongols' lineage among fierce nomadic peoples and examine their role as potential architects of the modern world. Investigate the legacy of the "Universal Ruler" and the eventual fragmentation of the Mongol Khanates. Journey through pivotal historical periods, including the Tang Dynasty's ascension, the Muslim dominance in Afro-Eurasian culture, and the Medieval Green Revolution. Analyze the shift in power dynamics with the rise of militarized Turks and the Christian Church, concluding with Alfred of Wessex's victory over Viking forces.