On 18 December 1271, the Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan declared a pivotal moment in Chinese history by renaming his vast empire as "Yuan" (元 yuán), signifying "origin" or "primordial."
This declaration marked the formal establishment of the Yuan Dynasty, a monumental fusion of Mongol authority and Chinese tradition.
By adopting a Chinese dynastic title, Kublai Khan sought to legitimise his rule over China, bridging cultural divides and symbolising a new era of unity under his leadership.
The Yuan Dynasty would go on to play a transformative role in shaping China's political and cultural landscape, leaving a profound legacy in history.
