Guyuk Khan vs Joanna of Castile

Güyük was elected as the third Great Khan of the Mongol Empire at a kurultai near the Mongol capital Karakorum. His election was supported by his mother Töregene, who had served as regent, but was opposed by Batu, leading to tensions.

Güyük received the Franciscan envoy John of Plano Carpini at his court, who delivered a letter from Pope Innocent IV demanding the Mongols cease their invasions. Güyük's reply demanded the Pope's submission to Mongol authority, reflecting Mongol imperial ideology.

Güyük planned a military campaign against his cousin Batu, ruler of the Golden Horde, due to Batu's refusal to recognize his authority. The conflict was averted when Güyük died in 1248, but it deepened the rift between the Toluid and Jochid lines.

Güyük died suddenly in 1248 while marching west to confront Batu, possibly poisoned. His death left the empire without a clear successor, leading to a regency by his widow Oghul Qaimish and eventually the election of Möngke in 1251.

After the death of her husband Philip I, Joanna of Castile became the nominal queen of Castile. However, her father Ferdinand II of Aragon and later her son Charles I of Spain assumed regency, citing her mental instability. Joanna was confined to the castle of Tordesillas for the rest of her life.

After the death of her husband Philip I, Joanna refused to remarry, despite pressure from her father Ferdinand II and other nobles. Her refusal was interpreted as a sign of mental instability, but it also reflected her deep attachment to Philip and her desire to maintain her independence.

Joanna of Castile was confined to the Royal Palace of Tordesillas by order of her father Ferdinand II, who declared her unfit to rule. She remained imprisoned there for 46 years, isolated from political affairs, while her son Charles I governed Castile in her name.