The Mongol Empire began to fragment after the death of Möngke Khan in 1259 due to succession struggles.

The vast empire was too large and culturally diverse to be governed effectively from a single center.

It was formally divided into four successor states or khanates: the Yuan Dynasty in China, the Ilkhanate in Persia, the Golden Horde in Russia, and the Chagatai Khanate in Central Asia.

The rulers of each khanate gradually assimilated into the local cultures they governed, adopting local religions like Islam or Buddhism.

This cultural assimilation weakened the unity and distinct Mongol identity across the empire.

The four khanates often engaged in warfare with one another over territory and influence.

The Pax Mongolica, which had secured trade routes, broke down as the empire fragmented.

The Black Death pandemic in the mid-14th century devastated the population and trade of all the khanates.

Conquered peoples, like the Chinese under the Ming, eventually rose up and successfully overthrew Mongol rule.

The decline of the Mongol Empire led to the re-emergence of regional powers like Muscovite Russia and Ming China.