CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 3: The Thirteenth Century: Century of the Stirrup

Episode synopsis

Genghis Khan and his Mongol horsemen thundered across Asia, creating the largest empire the world has ever known. The Mongols were ferocious warriors, but they imposed peace on the lands they conquered. It became possible to travel and trade safely from Europe to the Orient. Grandson of Genghis, Kublai Khan conquered and united the whole of China but was seduced by luxury in his palace at Xanadu. The Mongol advance west was finally halted by the Mamelukes, a Muslim dynasty of former slaves who made Cairo into one of the world's greatest cities. Goods and ideas from the Orient traveled via Venice up into northern Europe.

About CNN Millennium

A documentary series covering the last 1,000 years. Each of the 10 episodes focuses on a single century, brought to life by five vignettes from five different locations worldwide. Inspired by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book, "Millennium," and filmed in 28 countries, the series is as geographically far-ranging as the world it covers.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword
• E2The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe
• E4The Fourteenth Century: Century of the Scythe
• E5The Fifteenth Century: Century of the Sail
• E6The Sixteenth Century: Century of the Compass
• E7The Seventeenth Century: Century of the Telescope
• E8The Eighteenth Century: Century of the Furnace
• E9The Nineteenth Century: Century of the Machine
• E10The Twentieth Century: Century of the Globe