元朝

　　元朝(1206～1368年)

　　Yuan dynasty，亦拼作 Yüan dynasty，或称为蒙古王朝（Mongol dynasty）。

　　蒙古游牧民族在中国开创的朝代。成吉思汗於1215年进占中国北方，但直到1279年，忽必烈汗才控有中国南部。蒙古人在北京建立首都（当时称为大都）。他们重建大运河，其道路与邮驿站也维护良好。宋朝时还流通有限的纸币，在蒙古帝国时则已全国通用。天文学、医学和数学都有所进展；从东欧平原横跨大草原到蒙古、中国的蒙古帝国，贸易畅通。许多外国人（以马可孛罗最为着名）前往中国，也有许多中国人前往伊朗（Iran）和俄罗斯（Russia）游历，甚至远达西欧。中国憎恶蒙古征服者，因为蒙古的管辖体制对中国人采取不利的差别待遇（参阅Kublai Khan）。中国的艺术家则藉由隐退与转而表达自我，显示消极的抵抗。文人画广受欢迎；小说有所发展，也出现新的戏剧形式。自1300年起，蒙古人中对继承权的争夺，削弱了中央政府；经常爆发的叛乱，多半与如红巾的秘密会社互相联络。元朝於1368年被日後的明太祖所推翻。亦请参阅Ming dynasty。

　　English version

　　1206～1368年

　　Yuan dynasty

　　orMongol dynastyDynasty established in China by Mongol nomads. Genghis Khan occupied northern China in 1215, but not until 1279 did Kublai Khan take control of southern China. The Mongols established their capital at Beijing (then called Dadu). They rebuilt the Grand Canal and put the roads and postal stations in good order. Paper money, which had had limited circulation under the Song, came to be used throughout the empire. Advances were made in astronomy, medicine, and mathematics, and trade was carried out throughout the Mongol empire from the plains of eastern Europe across the steppes to Mongolia and China. Many foreigners came to China (notably Marco Polo) and many Chinese traveled to Iran, Russia, and even western Europe. The Chinese resented the Mongol conquerors, whose governmental system discriminated against them (see Kublai Khan). Chinese artists demonstrated passive resistance by withdrawing and turning to personal expression. Literati painting became very popular; the novel developed, and new dramatic forms also appeared. Disputes over succession weakened the central government from 1300 on, and rebellions were frequent, many connected with secret societies such as the Red Turbans. The dynasty was overthrown in 1368 by the future Hongwu emperor. See also Ming dynasty.