born 1185, Mongolia
died 1241, Karakorum
Son of Genghis Khan who succeeded his father in 1229 and greatly expanded the Mongol empire.
He established his headquarters in central Mongolia and built the capital city of Karakorum . Like his father, he carried out simultaneous campaigns by relying on generals who acted independently but were subject to his orders. Allying himself with China's Southern Song dynasty , Ögödei attacked the Juchen dynasty in northern China, taking its capital in 1234. Meanwhile, his nephew Batu defeated Russia while other generals were attacking Iran and Iraq. Only Ögödei's death (during a drinking bout) prevented the Mongols from invading western Europe. See also Golden Horde ; Kublai Khan ; Möngke .