The Mongol Conquests The Mongols, a nomadic people from the steppe, conquered settled societies across much of Asia.

Nomads of the Asian Steppe Geography of the Steppe Steppe—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.

Asian Steppes

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.

Nomadic Tents

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 states or empires could protect its lands from these invasions.

The Rise of the Mongols Genghis Khan United the Mongols Around 1200, Genghis Khan—a title that means ”universal ruler”—unites Mongols. In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of conquest. By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central Asia.

Genghis Khan the Conqueror Real name was Temujin. A brilliant organizer and strategist. Uses brutality to terrorize his enemies and force surrenders.

The Mongol Empire Death and Succession Genghis Khan died in 1227. Successors continue conquests for over 50 years. The Mongols conquer territory from China to Poland.

The Khanates In the East, Mongols conquered northern China and invade Korea. In the West, Mongols take Ukraine and threaten Vienna and Venice. In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to Persia. By 1260, The Mongols had the largest territory ever, so broke it into four parts called Khanates.

The Four Khanates Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia & China) Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia) Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia) Ilkhanate (Persia)

Kublai Khan Kublai Khan was Genghis Khan’s grandson, and ruled the Khanate of the Great Khan from 1279 to 1294. He was the first person to control all of China in 300 years. Opened China to the outside world, and promoted trade on the Silk Roads Met famous foreigners, including explorer Marco Polo, who stayed in China for 17 years.

The Mongols as Rulers The Mongol Peace Mongol rulers were tolerant of other peoples and cultures. Some Mongols adopted local ways, leading to a split among khanates. The Mongol Peace Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-1300s was very calm and productive because of the Mongols. There was much East-West trade and exchange of ideas during this period.

The Decline of the Mongols in China Kublai Khan died in 1294, and was the last strong leader of the Mongols in China. Within 50 years of Kublai Khan’s death, the Mongols were chased out of China, and China was once again ruled by the Chinese.