Kublai Khan moves his capital to Dadu
1264
Having beaten Ariq Boke, Kublai ordered the construction of a new Chinese-style capital on the site of modern Beijing. Dadu, the great capital, with its rectangular walls, avenues, and palace complex, announced his intention to rule China as an emperor, not a steppe khan. Marco Polo would marvel at its size and splendor, describing a city of geometrical precision unlike anything in medieval Europe.
In context
Also in 1264 (3 other events on record)
- Simon de Montfort wins the Battle of Lewes · Europe · War
- Mansa Wali Mali expands Mali Empire's reach · Africa · Politics
- Urban IV institutes Corpus Christi feast · Europe · Religion
Before and after in East Asia
Before and after in Politics
Era
High Middle Ages (1000–1300), one of 1,306 events from that era on Saeculum.
Sources