The Mongols

Mr. Giesler

Global History

Nomads of the Asian Steppe

Geography of the SteppeSteppe—dry grassland of Eurasia—provides home for

nomads.Two main expanses: Central Asia to eastern Europe,

and Mongolia.Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal temperature

differences.

TTYN: What is a Steppe? What might be the benefits of living in a steppe?

The Nomadic Way of Life

Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd domesticated animals.

Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be skilled horse riders.

Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are linked by a common ancestor.

TTYN: What is Nomad? What is a Pastoralist?

Steppe Nomads and Settled Societies Nomads and people living in settled communities often

interact. Some interactions are peaceful, as in trade. Sometimes nomads raid towns and cities to seize wealth

and goods. Strong state or empire could protect its lands from these

invasions.

The Rise of the Mongols

Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols

About 1200, Genghis Khan—”universal ruler”—unites Mongols.

In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of conquest.

By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central Asia.

K-W-L: What do you know or think you know about the Mongols

Temujin

A brilliant organizer and strategist.

Uses brutality to terrorize his enemies and force surrenders.

Calculating and skilled military

Well-disciplined

Demonstrated compassion after submission

Genghis the Conqueror

Born to a tribal leader between 1163 an 1167 during a period intermittent warfare

At a young age, Temujin's father was murdered by rival tribesman;

At the age of 16, he married his childhood bride Borte

Shortly after marriage, Borte was kidnapped but Temujin was able to call on some friends to lead a rescue operation. This was successful and although Borte was found to be with child, Temujin would bring up the child as if it was his.

In 1206 a council of Moghul tribesmen met to declare Temujin as 'Genghis Khan - meaning 'Oceanic Ruler of the Universe.'

With the backing of the three strongest tribes, Genghis Khan was able to unify the various Mongol tribes into one of the most impressive war machines ever assembled. It was this loyalty and unity that was so rare in that era.

Who Was Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan had tremendous ambition to conquer and plunder loot. He first turned his attention to the powerful Chinese empire.

He was successful in capturing their city and gaining the obeisance of the Chinese.

This allowed him to turn his attentions to the West and Genghis Khan led his Mongol armies west - deep into the heart of Europe - spreading fear and destruction.

Genghis Khan did not just look to kill people, he was mainly interested in conquering and gaining wealth.

He could accept the surrender of a defeated enemy and often used consummate skill to avoid conflict merely through emissaries who would spread tales of fear and the impending force of Genghis Khan's war machine.

Genghis Khan could show great loyalty to those who were loyal to him, and equally he could turn on those he considered to be disloyal or resisted.

Genghis Khan also encouraged trade and commerce within his realm. He forbade his troops to attack merchants and through his control of the main trading routes, trade and culture flourished as people could travel within the Monghul Empire stretching from China in the East to the Black Sea in the East. Genghis Khan was also tolerant of religions and exempted priests from paying tax.

The Mongol Empire

Death and Succession Genghis Khan dies in 1227.

Ironically, he died after falling off a horse Successors continue conquests for 50 years. The Mongols conquer territory from China to Poland.

The Khanates In east, Mongols conquer northern China and invade

Korea. In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten Vienna and

Venice. In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to Persia. By 1260, Mongol Empire split into khanates of four

regions. Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-1300s is called Pax Mongolica.

The Mongols….to be continued during our discovery of Japan, China, and Russia