The Yam Postal Relay System and Imperial Communications (c. 1206–14th century)

1. Chinggis Khan proclaimed; imperial couriering begins

   Jan 1, 1206Labels: Chinggis Khan, Mongol Empire

   • Britannica
   • Yam Route

2. Ögedei Khan elected Great Khan

   Jan 1, 1229Labels: gedei Khan, Mongol Empire

   • Britannica
   • gedei

3. Empire-wide Yam postroad stations established

   Jan 1, 1234Labels: Yam network, Relay stations

   • gedei
   • Pax Mongolica
   • Yam Route

4. Relay-station burdens formalized through attached households

   Jan 1, 1234Labels: Relay households, Local requisitions

   • gedei
   • Yam Route

5. Restrictions on nobles issuing paiza and jarliqs

   Jan 1, 1234Labels: Paiza, Jarliq

   • Paiza
   • gedei

6. European envoys observe Yam logistics at Güyük’s enthronement

   Aug 24, 1246Labels: Giovanni da, G y

   • G y k
   • Carpine

7. Möngke Khan curbs merchant and elite abuse of the Yam

   Jan 1, 1251Labels: M ngke, Ortoq merchants

   • M ngke
   • Paiza

8. Zhongtong-era edict promotes delivery shops and posts

   Jan 1, 1260Labels: Kublai Khan, Yuan dynasty

   • Express Shop
   • Yam Route

9. Kublai Khan proclaimed Great Khan; communications centralize

   May 5, 1260Labels: Kublai Khan, Yuan administration

   • Britannica
   • Yam Route

10. Paiza privileges standardize access to relay services

    Jan 1, 1270Labels: Paiza, Imperial credentials

    • Paiza
    • Yam Route

11. Marco Polo-era accounts describe extensive relay infrastructure

    Jan 1, 1290Labels: Marco Polo, Yuan relay

    • Yam Route
    • Pax Mongolica

12. Ghazan reforms jarliq and paiza issuance; limits relay use

    Jan 1, 1295Labels: Ghazan, Ilkhanate

    • Ghazan
    • Allsen CUP

13. Yuan legacy: later dynasties inherit and adapt station networks

    Jan 1, 1368Labels: Ming dynasty, Post stations

    • Ming Govt
    • Yam Route