Aim: Explain the Khans’ Successes During the Mongol Empire

The Rise of the Mongols For centuries, the Mongol people had roamed the eastern steep in loosely organized clans Took a military & political genius to unite the Mongols 1200: A Mongol clan leader sought to unify the Mongols under his leadership 1206: Leader accepted title Genghis Khan (Universal Ruler) Genghis launched a campaign of terror across Central Asia Mongols destroy many cities 1225: Central Asia under Mongol control 2

Genghis the Conqueror Several characteristics portrayed Genghis stunning success 1) Was a brilliant organizer Grouped warriors in armies of 10,000 Put his most battle-proven & loyal man in command of these units 2) Was a Gifted strategist Used various tricks to confuse enemies 3) Used cruelty as a weapon Believed in terrifying his enemies into surrender If city refused to open gates, he would kill entire population Led to many towns surrendering without a fight 3

The Mongol Empire After Genghis’s death, his sons and grandsons continued the campaign of conquest Many of the areas invaded by the Mongols never recovered The population of some cities were wiped out Mongols destroyed ancient irrigation systems in areas such as the Tigris and Euphrates Valleys No land could no support resettlement Mid 1200’s-Mid 1300’s: Mongols imposed stability and law and order across much of Eurasia Period called Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace) 4