First, in order to understand how Ariq Boke was a viable candidate for Mongol rule as well as how he fit into the broader category of Mongol life, it is first imperative to understand the general concept of its story. Ariq Boke was the fourth and youngest son of Tolui and Sorghaghtani, and was therefore a grandson of Genghis Khan (Rossabi, 1988, page 19). Although the year of his birth is unknown, historians have confirmed that he died shortly after his failed attempt to ascend to the Mongol throne (Boyle, 1971, page 310). Furthermore, because he was Tolui's youngest son, when Mongke left to conquer China, Ariq Boke was left in the Mongol homeland and put in charge of the Mongol ulus (Boyle, 1971, page 224). Here, Ariq Boke got used to the nomadic life, unlike his older brothers who were accustomed to traveling and saw the advantages of a sedentary life (Rossabi, 1988, page 47). Additionally, at the time of Mongke's death, Ariq Boke was in the heart of the Mongol homeland and essentially controlled not only the army that remained there, but was also responsible for running the country while his older brother was away. . Thus, in June 1260, after the death of Monke, Ariq Boke contested the succession of Khubulai and he was