1. Mongol chieftain conquers huge territory

2. Kublai Khan establishes new dynasty in China

3. English monarchy's power is curtailed under Magna Carta

4. Japan survives Mongol threats

5. Much of northern India comes under Muslim control

6. Battling armies take toll on Constantinople

7. Marco Polo reveals wondrous Cathay

8. Mali Empire becomes the strongest in southern Africa

9. Assisi cathedral attracts finest artists in Italy

4. Japan survives Mongol threats

The Mongol ambition to overthrow Japan was stymied in 1274 and again in 1281 after typhoons destroyed invading fleets sent by Mongol conqueror Kublai Khan. The Japanese have come to believe that divine intervention helped them and their samurai warriors to repel the Mongol invaders.

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