Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Intergration
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 Modern Mongolian Yurts Nomads in Turkmenistan
Nomadic Economy Trade links between nomadic and settled peoples Nomads engage in long-distance travel Caravan routes
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 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 Mobility Speed
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
Mongolian Steppes
Mongol Warriors The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 13
Mongol Archer The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 14
Mongol Nobleman, Late 13 c. Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal. From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long, linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty (589-618), it connects several big rivers and provides an important means of transportation and communication. With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north? 15
Robe of a Mongol Nobleman, Early 14 c Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal. From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long, linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty (589-618), it connects several big rivers and provides an important means of transportation and communication. With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north? 16
Chinggis Khan (1167-1227) and the Making of the Mongol Empire Temüjin, b. 1167 Father prominent warrior, poisoned c. 1177, forced into poverty Mastered steppe diplomacy, elimination of enemies Brought all Mongol tribes into one confederation 1206 proclaimed Chinggis Khan: “Universal Ruler”
Genghis Khan 1162 - 1227 Originally named Temujin, the name Genghis Khan was taken by himself, meaning universal ruler. The Reflex Bow, the primary Mongol weapon.
Mongol Political Organization Broke up tribal organization Formed military units from men of different tribes Promoted officials on basis of merit and loyalty Established distinctly non-nomadic capital at Karakorum
Mongol Arms Mongol population only 1 million (less than 1% of Chinese population) Army c. 100-125,000 Strengths: Cavalry Short bows Rewarded enemies who surrender, cruel to enemies who fight
The Mongols Genghis Khan’s Tax Laws: If you do not pay homage, we will take your prosperity. If you do not have prosperity, we will take your children. If you do not have children, we will take your wife. If you do not have a wife, we will take your head. Used cruelty as a weapon some areas never recovered from Mongol destruction! The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 21
Mongol Conquests Conquest of China by 1220 Conquest of Afghanistan, Persia emissaries murdered, following year Chinggis Khan destroys ruler Ravaged lands to prevent future rebellions Large-scale, long-term devastation
The Mongol Empires about 1300 CE
Khubilai Khan (r. 1264-1294) Grandson of Chinggis Khan Rule of China Ruthless warrior, but religiously tolerant Hosted Marco Polo Established Yuan dynasty (to 1368) Unsuccessful forays into Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Java Two attempted invasions of Japan (1274, 1281) turned back by typhoons (kamikaze: “divine winds”)
Marco Polo 1254-1324 A Venetian merchant Traveled through Yuan China: 1271-1295 Sent on many diplomatic missions throughout Kublai’s empire. Served as governor in China for 3 years Wrote many novels documenting his travels The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 25
Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368 Pax Mongolica [“Mongol Peace”] Tolerated Chinese culture but lived apart from them No Chinese in top govt. posts Believed foreigners were more trustworthy. Encouraged foreign trade & foreign merchants to live and work in China. The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 26
Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal. From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long, linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty (589-618), it connects several big rivers and provides an important means of transportation and communication. With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north? 27
Marco Polo’s Travels The Han Synthesis term refers to the emphasis on Legalism, but with a touch of Confucianism. The Han dynasty recorded Confucius’s teachings (The Analects) and put a big emphasis on the family. Founded the Imperial University Required examinations to become bureaucrat (civil service system) Soldiers dropped to lowest status. Confucianists at work; Daoists at home. The Han tried to replace literature, including Confucius’s writings, lost during the Qin Dynasty. Created new works of literature and music. Scroll painting began during this time. Iron was now used for plows and weapons. Acupuncture was invented. Invented a crude seismic sensing tool, so they could send troops and food to the scene of an earthquake! Inventions include: paper (105 CE), sternpost rudder on ships, water mill, wheelbarrow, furrowed cultivation Show map for Silk Road trade. It brought Chinese together into one civilization, creating a common culture. Economically, it brought much wealth to the Han, as they exported much more than they imported. Wudi’s public schools taught Confucianism. Grand School in capital. In 100 years, 30,000 studied there. 28
Yuan Golden Bowl, 13 c Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal. From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long, linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty (589-618), it connects several big rivers and provides an important means of transportation and communication. With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north? 29
Yuan Porcelains & Ceramics Above is a picture of Suzhou in Jiangsu province showing houses along the Grand Canal. From north to south, the Grand Canal is over 1,700 kilometers (roughly 1,100 miles) long, linking Hangzhou in Zhejiang province with Beijing in the north. An extremely important water project that was first started in the Sui dynasty (589-618), it connects several big rivers and provides an important means of transportation and communication. With the two pictures below in mind, how do you think the access to rivers and lakes would have made the lifestyle of people in the south different from that of people in the north? 30
The Golden Horde While fierce, often brutal warriors, they were tolerant rulers. Absolute rule of the Mongols influenced later Russian rulers. Mongol rule isolated Russia from advancements in art & science of the Renaissance.
The Golden Horde The grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu Khan, led Mongol armies into Russia and other eastern European territories between 1237 and 1241. Known as the Golden Horde, they ruled this region for 240 years. Conquest of Russia, 1237-1241 Established tributary relationship to 15th century Rule over Crimea to late 18th century Raids into Poland, Hungary, Germany
The Ilkhanate of Persia Abbasid empire toppled Baghdad sacked, 1258 200,000 massacred Expansion into Syria checked by Egyptian forces
Mongol Rule in Persia Nomadic conquerors had to learn to rule sedentary societies Inexperienced, Lost control of most lands within a century Persia: dependence on existing administration to deliver tax revenues Left matters of governance to bureaucracy Eventually assimilated into Islamic lifestyle
Mongol Rule in China Strove to maintain strict separation from Chinese Intermarriage forbidden Chinese forbidden to study Mongol language Imported administrators from other areas (esp. Arabs, Persians) Yet tolerated religious freedoms
The Mongols and Buddhism Shamanism remains popular Lamaist school of Buddhism (Tibet) gains strength among Mongols Large element of magic, similar to shamanism Ingratiating attitude to Mongols: khans as incarnations of Buddha
The Mongols and Western Integration Experience with long-distance trade Protection of traveling merchants Volume of trade across central Asia increases Diplomatic missions protected Missionary activity increases Mongol resettlement policies
Decline of the Mongol Empire in Persia Overspending, poor tax returns from overburdened peasantry Ilkhan attempts to replace precious metal currency with paper in 1290s Failure, forced to rescind Factional fighting Last Ilkhan dies without heir in 1335, Mongol rule collapses
Decline of the Yuan Dynasty in China Mongols spend bullion that supported paper currency Public loses confidence in paper money, prices rise From 1320s, major power struggles Bubonic plague spreads 1330-1340s 1368 Mongols flee peasant rebellion
Surviving Mongol Khanates Khanate of Chaghatai in central Asia Continued threat to China Golden Horde in Caucasus and steppes to mid-16th century Continued threat to Russia
Tamerlane the Conquerer (c. 1336-1405) Turkish conqueror Timur Timur the Lame: Tamerlane United Turkish nomads in Khanate of Chaghatai His descendants later established the Mughal Empire in India. Major military campaigns Built capital in Samarkand
Tamerlane’s Empire about 1405 CE (Timurid Dynasty)
Tamerlane’s Heirs Poor organization of governing structure Power struggles divide empire into four Yet heavily influenced several empires: Mughal Safavid Ottoman
The Rise of the Ottoman Empire The Ottomans were a nomadic Turkish speaking group that had migrated from central Asia into Asia Minor in the 14th c. At the height of its power it spanned three continents, controlling much of Southeastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The empire was at the center of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries.
The Ottoman Empire Osman, charismatic leader who dominates part of Anatolia Declares independence from Saljuq sultan, 1299 Attacks Byzantine empire Followers known as Osmanlis (Ottomans)
Osman I (Othman): 1299-1326
Ottoman Conquests 1350s conquests in the Balkans Local support for Ottoman invasion Peasants unhappy with fragmented, ineffective Byzantine rule Tamerlane defeats Ottoman forces in 1402, but Ottomans recover by 1440s
The Capture of Constantinople, 1453 Sultan Mehmed II (“Mehmed the Conqueror”) Renamed city Istanbul, capital of Ottoman empire
Mehmet II: 1444-1445; 1451-1481 (“The Conqueror”)
The Ottoman Capital -- Istanbul