The Mongols: Surprise of the Steppe “Despite his image as a bloody tyrant, Genghis was also forward thinking. His empire had the first international postal system, invented the concept of diplomatic immunity, and even allowed women in its councils. But more importantly, the Mongols were also unprecedented in their religious tolerance.” - James Rollins

People and Places Genghis Khan (1162- 1227) Kublai Khan (1215- 1294) Karakorum Location of all the empires the Mongols conquered

Normal Nomads Life revolved around goats, sheep, and horses Traded their products for manufactured items Essential unit was the tribe divided into clans These could be combined for short periods Who does this remind you of?

Geography Matters!

3.2.1 Tiny Temujin Born into a harsh life that got harsher after his dad was killed Deserted by his father’s allies and taken prisoner Escaped and fled with his family to a friendly chieftain Proved his military prowess over the years Proclaimed supreme ruler in 1206

Mongol Military 3.2.1 Speed and mobility are the strengths of the all cavalry army Horse archers and lancers Organized in tumens Adopted siege warfare from empires around them, even firearms Important message, spy, and map making groups Inventive tactics

Mobile Maruaders

Cruel conquest Now united, the Mongols crumpled the Xia Xia, Jin, Kara Khitai and Khwarazam empires by Genghis’s death in 1227 None were spared from slavery or slaughter except those useful Towns that surrendered got off with tribute Empire divided into four khanates with Ogedei (1186-1241) as new grand khan

Enormous Empire

King-sized Khanates

Kingdom at Karakorum Founded by Genghis and made a true capital by Ogedei Though the Mongols were shamanistic, all religions were tolerated and encouraged The administration used all ethnicities for advice After the bloodshed, the Pax Mongolica allowed trade, artistry, exchange, and ideas to flourish

Teeming with Trade

Hopefully you know this from the reading, but In order to properly examine the Mongols we must get rid of all notions calling them savages. Yes, the Mongols did slaughter countless people in their conquests. But then again, how many African and Indian lives were extinguished during Britain’s golden Age? A good historian does not judge by his world, but by the world of his subjects. Avoiding making a “historian’s fallacy” is a crucial step in understanding history, for it leads to higher level questioning and comprehension.