2020-11-09 Mon

Guyuk was the third Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, the eldest son of Ogedei Khan and a grandson of Genghis Khan. He reigned from 1246 to 1248. According to Giovanni da Pian del Carpine, Guyuk was of "medium stature, very prudent and extremely shrewd, and serious and sedate in his manners."

Guyuk was elected to the throne in 1246, partly through the manoeuvring of his mother. He was strongly influenced by Nestorianism, a form of Christianity considered heresy by Western Christians, and he favoured Christian advisers. His election to the throne embittered the conqueror of Russia, Batu, also a grandson of Genghis. Guyuk’s early death, however, prevented the dispute from tearing the Mongol Empire completely asunder.

Depicted here is silver Dirham Citing the Great Khan Guyuk as overlord from Tiflis mint. The obverse of a coin depicted King on horseback right; foliage to left; above, hexagram with central pellet and royal monogram; stars below horse; date in Georgian to right. The reverse of a coin depicts Persian inscription citing Guyuk, Davit and mint formula.

Image Source: Wikimedia.org