Execution of Princess Altalun: Political Implications in Early Mongol Empire

This study explores the existence of Princess Altalun, her execution, and the subsequent impact on the political history of the Mongol Empire. Based on various historical sources, the research aims to shed light on an aspect of the early succession struggles within the Mongol Empire. Princess Altalun, the youngest and most beloved daughter of Genghis Khan, is mentioned in Persian sources such as the Jāmiʿ al-Tawārīkh and Shuʿab-i panjgāna. Her life was rich with narratives, suggesting she was a cherished figure, often referred to with affectionate nicknames. Her husband, Tachu Kuregen, hailed from the Olqunut tribe, which maintained matrimonial ties with Genghis Khan’s lineage.BR/ However, Altalun’s name is notably absent from Chinese sources, which only mention her husband sparingly. The scant records in Chinese sources likely stem from specific political contexts and reasons. Altalun’s execution by the Ögedei faction, allegedly for opposing Güyük’s ascension, positioned her as a victim of the khanate succession struggles. Altalun’s death highlighted the Ögedei faction’s unlawful actions, significantly aiding Möngke’s rise to power.BR/ The Jāmiʿ al-Tawārīkh outlines the treatment of Genghis Khan’s descendants, emphasizing the necessity of multiple chances before punishment and the consensus of the family for execution. The Altalun incident underscores that these protections extended to female descendants, revealing a shared understanding within Genghis Khan’s lineage. This seemingly simple event, which is absent in the History of Mongol-Yuan, served as a crucial political justification in the empire’s history.BR/ Following Möngke’s ascension, the Olqunut tribe was rehabilitated, with Tachu Kuregen’s son marrying Möngke’s daughter, maintaining the matrimonial alliances. However, they never regained the prestige of their earlier association with Genghis Khan’s favorite daughter.