The Mongol Empire ruled large parts of Europe and Western Asia at its peak in the 13th century. Founded by Genghis Khan in 1206, the empire expanded rapidly, becoming the largest contiguous land empire in history. This expansion was marked by significant military conquests and remarkable administrative organization. The empire connected diverse cultures and facilitated trade through the Silk Road, promoting the exchange of ideas, technologies, and goods between East and West. Despite its eventual fragmentation, the Mongol Empire's impact on global history was profound, influencing economies, cultures, and political developments across the vast territories it controlled.