What was the significance of the Mongol Empire? Notes #37

Existing from 1206 to 1368, the Mongol Empire was the largest unified land empire in history. Maximum sizes of the Roman Empire, Macedonian Empire, and Mongol Empire (ordered counter-clockwise)

The Mongols were nomads from Central Asia and were able to create their vast empire by employing superior military skills.

The Mongols controlled territory from the Pacific Coast of Asia to Eastern Europe and were able to gain complete control of China. Genghis Khan (founder of the Mongol Empire)

Despite the brutal military tactics of the Mongols, they did allow conquered people to live as before as long as they paid tribute. Possible tribute items: soldiers, otter skins, horses, and silk.

The Mongols also provided safety along the Silk Road, increasing trade and travel among people living in Europe and Asia.

When Italian merchant Marco Polo visited the Mongols in China, he introduced Europe to China’s riches through his writings, . . . Marco Polo

. . . which resulted in an increase of trade between Europe and China.

The Mongol Empire’s end was the result of poor government leadership and Mongol lands becoming too large and diverse to govern.