Kublai Khan Elected Great Khan of Mongol Empire
Following the death of his brother Möngke Khan in 1259, Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan, faced a contested succession within the vast Mongol Empire. While campaigning against the Song Dynasty in China, Kublai learned of his brother's passing and rival claims by another brother, Arigböge. A kuriltai assembly convened at Shangdu in southeastern Mongolia, where Kublai's supporters unanimously elected him Great Khan on May 5, 1260. He immediately proclaimed his rule in a Chinese-language edict and began consolidating power, eventually establishing the Yuan Dynasty that ruled China. The election ended a period of uncertainty but sparked a civil war with Arigböge that lasted until 1264.