The Mongols were part of the many Turkic-speaking equestrian nomads who were known for centuries for their prowess at hunting, riding, and warfare, but it was not until the beginning of the Middle Ages that they began to make their influence felt under the Genghisids, eventually founding the Mongol empire. Centred around present-day Mongolia, the Mongol Empire spanned almost the entirety of Asia but upon its disintegration, the Mongols became too disorganised and soon became vassals of the Chinese and Russian Empires. The Mongols would also eventually adopt Buddhism further dulling their past warrior traditions.