History-3/7 How did the location of the Mongols shape their culture and way of life? What was the most important possession of a Mongol? What were the portable tents called the Mongols used?

The Mongol Empire

The Mongols Lived on the steppes (vast dry grasslands or plains) north of China. Nomadic Pastoralists-herded domesticated animals Lived in yurts-portable felt tents. Divided into several different clans (either traded or fought each other) Skilled horsemen and very tough (often plundered)

Temujin/Genghis Khan (1162-1227 C.E) Father killed by rival clan at early age In 1200, he started to unify the Mongols into an empire 1206-Became Genghis Khan, “Universal Ruler” Great Conqueror Brilliant Organizer Gifted Strategist Used Cruelty Army of 10,000 cavalry to attack (used horses and the stirrup) By 1225, he conquered northern China and all of Central Asia.

The Mongol Empire After Genghis Khan died, his successors expanded the empire By 1294, it stretched across most of Asia and into Europe. Cities like Kiev in Russia and Baghdad in Iraq were destroyed Divided into four Khanates, or regions Pax Mongolica (1250-1350)-time of peace and stability, increase in trade Kublai Khan-conquered southern China (Yuan Dynasty) and increased trade along the Silk Roads. Marco Polo-visited China during this time and recorded his findings.

Kublai Khan and the Yuan Dynasty The Mongols conquered the Southern Song in China in 1279. Kublai Khan (1215-1294)became the emperor in China and established the Yuan Dynasty. 1st time a Chinese dynasty was controlled by foreigners (Mongols)-Chinese hated it Kublai Khan encouraged trade with Europe and other areas along the Silk Roads Europeans like Marco Polo visited China

The Fall of the Mongol Empire (1368) Over time, the empire grew too large The Yuan Dynasty was overthrown in 1368 by Chinese rebels The other Khanates lost control with the local people Famine, economic issues, corruption, taxes, and expense for military campaigns Hongwu Emperor (Est. Ming Dynasty)

Constantinople Plan Your Attack

History-11/17 What happened on Friday in Paris? What did you think about it? Performance Final: Starting it today and finishing Thursday (Mongol Empire) Who united the Mongols into an empire? How were the Mongols able to create the largest empire in world history?

Mongol Empire Introduction: talk about their nomadic and harsh lifestyle, rival Mongol clans, etc. Work down to the rise of Genghis Khan and then thesis statement. Body Paragraph 1: Genghis Khan Early life (father killed) Characteristics Conquests of rival Mongol clans Expansion of empire Body Paragraph 2: Mongol Military Units Cavalry (horses) & stirrup Weapons Deception Supply and Communications Terror Maneuverability and speed Body Paragraph 3: Mongol Government & Policies Khanates (ruled by Khans) Silk Road (Trade) Acceptance of Cultures and Religions The Yassa

Guidelines Body Paragraphs: Topic Sentence 2-3 examples/evidence Lasting statement at the end of paragraph Conclusion: Re-state thesis Sum up each body paragraph Lasting statement

Introduction Throughout history, there have been many powerful empires. However, no empire in history has matched the magnitude of the Mongol Empire. For thousands of years, the Mongols were disunited and lived a very harsh and nomadic lifestyle. It took a very strong leader in the form of Genghis Khan to unite these people and create the most powerful empire in history. Once created, an effective military and government was needed to sustain this empire. Several factors led to the rise of the Mongol Empire including the role of Genghis Khan, military tactics, and Mongol government and policies.

Mongol Military

Mongol Government and Policies