Chap 17 Day 1 Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration

Nomadic Economy and Society Rainfall in central Asia too little to support large-scale agriculture Grazing animals thrive, central Asians turn to animal herding Food Clothing Shelter (yurts) Migratory patterns to follow pastureland Small-scale farming, rudimentary artisanry

Nomads in Turkmenistan

Governance basically clan-based Nomadic Society Governance basically clan-based Charismatic individuals become nobles, occasionally assert authority Unusually fluid status for nobility Hereditary, but could be lost through incompetence Advancement for meritorious non-nobles Nomadic Economy Trade links between nomadic and settled peoples Nomads engage in long-distance travel Caravan routes

Shamans center of pagan worship Nomadic Religion Shamans center of pagan worship Appeal of Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, Islam, Manichaeism from 6th century CE Turkish script developed, partially to record religious teachings Conversion to Islam in 10th century due to Abbasid influence Military Organization Large confederations under a khan Authority extended through tribal elders Exceptionally strong cavalries – WHY? Mobility Speed Nestorianism is a Christological doctrine that emphasizes the disunion between the human and divine natures of Jesus. It was advanced by Nestorius (386–450), Patriarch of Constantinople from 428–431, influenced byNestorius' studies under Theodore of Mopsuestia at the School of Antioch. a dualistic religious system with Christian, Gnostic, and pagan elements, founded in Persia in the 3rd century by Manes ( circa 216– circa 276). The system was based on a supposed primeval conflict between light and darkness. It spread widely in the Roman Empire and in Asia, and survived in eastern Turkestan (Xinjiang) until the 13th century.

Turkish empires and their neighbors about 1210 CE

Saljuq Turks and the Abbasid Empire 8-10th centuries Turkish peoples on border of Abbasid empire Service in Abbasid armies Eventually came to dominate Abbasid caliphs 1055 Saljuq leader Tughril Beg recognized as sultan Tughril consolidated his hold on Baghdad, then extended rule to other parts of the empire Abbasid caliphs served as figure heads of authority

Saljuq Turks and the Byzantine Empire 1071 Saljuq Turks defeat Byzantine army at Manzikert, take emperor captive Large-scale invasion of Anatolia Many conversions to Islam Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople 1453

Ghaznavid Turks and the Sultanate of Delhi Mahmud of Ghazni, Afghanistan, invades northern India At first for plunder, later to rule Northern India completely dominated by 13th century Persecution of Buddhists, Hindus