ISLAMIC. Mongols. Ilkhanids. Abu Sa'id Bahadur. A.H. 716-736 / A.D. 1316-1335. AR dirham. 1.62 gm. 23 mm. Uncertain mint and date. Shahadah and the names of the four Chalifs; oval c/m with نهي (cancellation mark, retrograde) / Name and titles of Abu Sa'id Bahadur; mint and date in the margins. Host coin: Album 2200.1. Near Extremely Fine; minty and fresh, attractive and interesting.

The Mongols were pastoral nomads of the Asian steppe who herded sheep, goats, horses, camels, and yaks, moved with the seasons, and lived in temporary camps of circular felt tents or yurts. The Mongol Empire founded by Genghis Khan in 1206 extended from the Pacific Ocean to the Danube River and the Persian Gulf. The dreaded Mongol hordes of mostly cavalry overran and ruthlessly subjugated much of Eastern and Central Europe, Russia, China, India, and Asia, and ruled under an enforced "Pax Mongolica." At its peak, it covered some 9 million square miles, making it the largest contiguous land empire in world history.