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Rise of Ong Khan of the Kereit

Type Event Region Mongolia Time 1161–1170

In the 1160s, Kereit leader Toghril (Ong Khan) greatly expanded his power after restoring his realm, becoming one of the strongest tribes on the east…

Timeline

  1. 1161–1164West bank of the Orkhon River · Mongolian PlateauToghril ended his exile, led the Kereit back to their homeland, rebuilt the tribal alliance, and gradually restored their overlordship in the eastern Mongolian Plateau.
  2. 1165–1168Tula River basin · Mongolian PlateauTo bind northern nomadic powers, the Jin dynasty invested Ong Khan as King Zhongshun; the Kereit used this prestige to recruit vassals and formed an east-west rivalry with the Naimans.
  3. 1169–1170Upper reaches of the Onon River · Mongolian PlateauOng Khan and Yesügei had been anda (sworn brothers); after Yesügei's death, Temüjin sought Ong Khan's protection, and the two reaffirmed their father-son alliance, laying the foundation for Temüjin's later reliance on Kereit support.

Sources