On This Day

Mongolian victory at the naval Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China

The Battle of Yamen, also known as the Battle of Yashan, was a naval battle which took place in southern China on 19 March 1279.

The Battle of Yamen, also known as the Battle of Yashan, was a naval battle which took place in southern China on 19 March 1279. It is considered to be the last stand of the Song dynasty against the invading forces of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. Although outnumbered 10 to 1, the Yuan navy delivered a crushing tactical and strategic victory, destroying the Song.

Today, the battle site is located in the town of Yamen, in Xinhui County, Jiangmen, Guangdong.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Yamen, also known as the Battle of Yashan, was a naval battle which took place in southern China on 19 March 1279.

Events Before

  1. Condemnation of 219 philosophical and theological theses by Stephen Tempier, Bishop of Paris

    Condemnation of 219 philosophical and theological theses by Stephen Tempier, Bishop of Paris

  2. As Vizier Mehmet I of Karaman issues a firman (decree) ordering only the Turkish language to be used, not Arabic or Pers

    As Vizier Mehmet I of Karaman issues a firman (decree) ordering only the Turkish language to be used, not Arabic or Persian

  3. Jews in England are imprisoned on charges of coin clipping and counterfeiting

    Jews in England are imprisoned on charges of coin clipping and counterfeiting

  4. Battle of Marchfeld: Rudolf of Habsburg defeats Ottokar II

    Ottokar II (Czech: Přemysl Otakar II.; c. 1233, in Městec Králové, Bohemia – 26 August 1278, in Dürnkrut, Lower Austria), the Iron and Golden King, was a member of the Přemyslid dynasty who reigned...

  5. Jews are arrested in England for counterfeiting coins, and 293 are hanged

    Jews are arrested in England for counterfeiting coins, and 293 are hanged

Events After

  1. Sogen Mugaku, founder of Engakuji temple, arrives in Japan from China

    Sogen Mugaku, founder of Engakuji temple, arrives in Japan from China

  2. During Kublai Khan's second Mongol invasion of Japan, his invading Chinese fleet of 3,500 vessels disappears in a typhoo

    During Kublai Khan's second Mongol invasion of Japan, his invading Chinese fleet of 3,500 vessels disappears in a typhoon near the Japanese coast

  3. Simon de Brion elected Pope Martinus IV

    Pope Martin IV (Latin: Martinus IV; born Simon de Brion; c. 1210 – 28 March 1285), was the head of the Catholic Church and ruler of the Papal States from 22 February 1281 until his death on 22 March...

  4. Kublai Khan's second invasion of Japan begins with an attack on Tsushima Island but encounters fierce resistance, forcin

    Kublai Khan's second invasion of Japan begins with an attack on Tsushima Island but encounters fierce resistance, forcing his troops to withdraw

  5. Guy of Dampierre, Count of Flanders, takes financial responsibility for Bruges

    Guy of Dampierre, Count of Flanders, takes financial responsibility for Bruges

More from the 1270s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 19, 1279?
The Battle of Yamen, also known as the Battle of Yashan, was a naval battle which took place in southern China on 19 March 1279. It is considered to be the last stand of the Song dynasty against the invading forces of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. Although outnumbered 10 to 1, the Yuan navy delivered a crushing tactical and strategic victory, destroying the Song.
Why is Mongolian victory at the naval Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China significant?
The Battle of Yamen, also known as the Battle of Yashan, was a naval battle which took place in southern China on 19 March 1279.

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