Analyze at the characteristics of the Mongolian culture. What would YOU do? How would you… ◦ Survive? ◦ Find food? ◦ Care for your family? ◦ Defend yourself?
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The Mongols a nomadic people from the steppe, conquered settled societies across much of Asia -They built the largest unified land empire in the history of the world
Mongolia had a large land empire China lays to the southeast, Russia to the west Located on the Asian Steppe (dry, grass covered plain) Non-arable land, very dry, extreme temperature change
Nomadic: constantly on the move. Pastoralists: herd domesticated animals Traveled in clans Live on horseback; depend on animals for food, clothing and housing Constant battles to defend land
Usually peaceful trade between nomads and settled people Sometimes tempted by land and wealth of settled people; raids were common Strong empires could defend themselves (China built the Great Wall) Weaker states in danger of becoming conquered
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Horses and the stirrup ◦ Mongols were excellent horsemen; stirrups major advantage in battle Bow and arrows
Genghis Khan united Mongols for the purpose of conquest Conquered China, Islamic regions, Russia Very violent, ruthless warriors
He is a brilliant organizer Gifted strategist Adopted new weapons and technology Used cruelty as a weapon
Mongols create law and order in Eurasia Under Mongol rule, trade and travel on Silk road become safer (cultural diffusion) ◦ Pax Mongolia (peace in Mongolia) Increase trade between Europe and Asia Ideas, invention (gunpowder) and black plague travel along trade route
Occupied and isolated Russia for 200 years Demanded obedience and tribute Helped reunite Russia and gave rise to the city of Moscow
Massive size made it difficult to rule Lose power to local leaders By 1300 divided into smaller states
How does your ‘culture’ compared to the Mongol culture? List some similarities and differences. Would YOU have survived?