Chapter 7, Warring Queens Summary and Analysis

For ten years following Ogodei's death, women would have unprecedented power in the empire. When he died, his wife, not the most senior, Torgene, ruled as official regent of the empire. She spent her time preparing politically to get her arrogant and violent son Guyuk on the throne. On July 22, 1246, Guyuk was elected Great Khan. He first had an unpleasant interaction with Pope Innocent IV, who demanded his submission and then spent his reign persecuting his enemies, such as his mother's most trusted advisor, Fatima Khatun.

When Guyuk died, his widow Oghul Ghaimish stepped in as regent but she lacked skill. Sorkhokhtani, a vice-regent and the widow of Genghis Khan's youngest son, with the support of her four capable sons, had the election of the next Great Khan held on Genghis's burial grounds and was able to...