Ariq Böke

Ariq Böke, born in the year twelve nineteen, was the youngest son of Tolui and a grandson of the legendary Genghis Khan. His lineage placed him at the heart of the Mongol Empire's power dynamics, particularly following the death of his brother, the Great Khan Möngke.

In a bold move, Ariq Böke claimed the title of Great Khan during a period of absence from his brothers, Kublai and Hulagu, on the Mongolian Plateau. His ascension to power was marked by a significant political struggle, as rival factions emerged upon Kublai's return in twelve sixty.

The ensuing conflict, known as the Toluid Civil War, saw both Kublai and Ariq Böke elected as claimants to the throne. This division highlighted the contrasting support each brother received; Ariq Böke garnered backing from the traditionalists of the Mongol Empire, while Kublai was favored by the senior princes of North China and Manchuria.