The Mongol Conquests Mr. Marijanovich CHAPTER 12 Section 2 The Mongol Conquests Mr. Marijanovich
Objectives Describe the geography of the steppe and the lifestyles of the nomads. Explain the Khans’ successes. Summarize the extent of the Mongol empire and its divisions.
Setting the Stage While the Song Dynasty prospered, the Mongols were growing in strength Mongols Lived in the Asian steppes Prided themselves on Skill on horseback Discipline Ruthlessness Courage in battle
ASIAN STEPPE
Nomads of the Asian Steppe Dry grassland Temps range from -57 degrees – 96 degrees Land trade route connecting the East and the West More rain fell during the warmer months Home of nomads who sought riches when crossing the border
Geography of the Steppe Western Steppe Runs from Central Asia to E. Europe Home of the Hittites Eastern Steppe Covers present-day Mongolia Home of the Huns, Turks, and Mongols
The Nomadic Way of Life Nomadic people were pastoralists- Herded domesticated animals Constantly on the move searching for pastures to feed the animals Moved in patterns and revisiting same campsites Often had to fight others who have occupied them Clothing, housing, and food came from the animals Traveled in clans
Steppe Nomads and Settled Societies Engaged in peaceful trade Exchanged items they needed Accustom to hardships Often raided cities and weak empires Over generations, they became part of the empires
The Rise of the Mongols Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols Temujin Sought to unify the Mongols under his rule Accepted the name Genghis Khan “universal ruler” First goal was to take over China Next, turned his sites to the Muslims to the west
Break! Stand up if the answer is true, stay seated if the answer is false: The Western Steppes runs from Central Asia to E. Europe, and the Eastern Steppe covers present-day Mongolia. TRUE! Genghis Khan means “universal ruler” and his first goal was to take over the Muslims. FALSE! Steppe nomads usually engaged in peaceful trade and would usually only raid weak empires and cities.
Genghis the Conqueror Genghis Khan Brilliant organizer Groups warriors in armies of 10,000 1,000 men brigades 100-man companies 10 man squads Most loyal men commanded Terrified his enemies into surrender
The Mongol Empire Khan died in 1227 from an illness Successor continued his work China to Poland Created the largest Unified Empire in history
Khanates Sons and grandsons continued his work Divided their huge empire into 4 regions or khanates Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia & China) Khanate of Chagatai (Central Asia) Ilkhanate (Persia) Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)
The Mongols As Rulers Invaded areas never recovered Mongols destroyed ancient irrigation and building projects But, they rarely opposed the customs of the conquered people, sometimes they blended Ilkanate and Khanate of the Golden Horde became Muslims Other differences amongst the khanates caused them to split the empire.
The Mongol Peace Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace) Period of imposed stability and law across Eurasia Guaranteed safe passing of trade caravans, travelers, and missionaries Trade Goods, inventions, and innovation Very active between Europe & Asia
Bubonic Plague Historians speculate that the Mongolians spread the disease throughout their empire and along the trade routes THE END Read “History in Depth: A Mighty Fighting Force” pg. 332-333 Answer the following questions
A Mighty Fighting Force What type of weapons did the Mongol cavalry warriors carry into battle? What material did they wear that was not often pierced by arrows? Who took care of the needs of the camp? What is a yurt? Why was a Mongol Army like a moving city?