The Mongol Empire Season 1 Episode 11 Dividing the Empire: A Tale of Four Brothers

The Mongol Empire season 1 episode 11, titled "Dividing the Empire: A Tale of Four Brothers," focuses on the aftermath of Genghis Khan's death and the conflict that arises between his four sons over the division of the empire. As the episode begins, the audience is taken back to the year 1227, when Genghis Khan dies after conquering nearly half of the known world.

The opening scene depicts the great ruler's funeral, with a plethora of Mongol leaders and foreign diplomats paying their last respects to the man who brought so much power and prosperity to their lands. However, it is quickly evident that Genghis left behind a major power struggle among his four sons: Jochi, Chagatai, Ogodei, and Tolui.

In a series of flashbacks, the episode explores the relationships between Genghis and each of his sons, revealing that he had hoped to keep the empire united under the guidance of the most capable leader. However, Jochi, the eldest son, is not his biological child, and this fact raises concerns among the other brothers about his legitimacy to rule.

As the brothers gather to divide the empire, tensions rise, and each of them makes their case for why they should be the one to take over their father's throne. Jochi is quick to point out that he is the eldest and therefore deserves to inherit the throne, but Chagatai disagrees and argues that Jochi's lack of biological ties makes him unfit for the role. On the other hand, Ogodei sees himself as the most qualified and capable of leading the empire, but his brothers view him as a weak and indecisive ruler. Tolui, the youngest of the four, is seen as a wildcard and has yet to articulate his claim to the throne.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that the brothers’ loyalties to each other and to their father's vision of a united empire are weak. Each of them is willing to use any tactic necessary to gain more land and power, including violence and betrayal. The Mongol Empire, which once reigned as one of the greatest empires in history, now finds itself on the brink of collapse due to the competing ambitions of its four leaders.

The episode culminates in a dramatic scene where the brothers finally divide the empire among themselves – with each one taking a different territory that includes modern-day Iran, China, Central Asia, and Russia. However, after just a few years, it becomes clear that the empire is not meant to be divided, and a great conflict erupts between the brothers, leading to a bloody war that changes the course of history forever.

Overall, "Dividing the Empire: A Tale of Four Brothers" provides a fascinating look into the inner workings of one of the greatest empires in history and the struggles that arise when a great ruler fails to name a clear successor. The episode is a must-see for fans of ancient history, providing valuable insights into the Mongol Empire's complex power dynamics and the factors that ultimately led to its decline.