The Mongols 1200-1500
Overview Traditionally reviled for their brutality Now seen as important for uniting Eurasia for 1st time Mongol empire became noteworthy for peace and prosperity
Mongol Society Nomadic herders Sophisticated horsemen Basic organizational unit-the tribe Leaders were elected United only in response to external threats
Genghis Khan Born “Temujin”-1170’s Great warrior who gained followers Named Genghis Khan in 1206, uniting tribes Mongols now planned a campaign of world domination
Empire split into 4 parts after GK’s death
Russia Princes had to submit, pay tribute Feudalism developed Moscow rose in importance Orthodox Church thrived-toleration Russia cut off from developments in W. Europe
Europe Mounted expedition to E. Europe in mid-1200’s Never reached W. Europe (death of Ogedai and succession crisis) Mongol-dominated Silk Road brought plague to Europe in 1347
Middle East Persia resisted Mongol assault, was annihilated Baghdad fell in 1258-end of Abbasid Caliphate Destruction of ME irrigation had long-term impact Islamic learning diffused throughout Mongol empire
China Campaign against Song directed by Kublai Khan Established Yuan Dynasty Separation between Mongols-Chinese Capital built in Beijing
Decline Infighting and disease as major causes By mid-1300’s, Mongols faced rebellions in Persia and China Mongol power faded in Russia during mid-1400’s Turks filled vacuum in ME and India, Ming in China
Global Impact Linked Eurasian lands more directly than ever before Diffusion of language, culture, religion, tech, etc. Mongol decline by 1400 made sea routes more attractive Plague