Genghis (Chinggis) Khan (Universal Ruler) / Temujin Rise to power illustrates the fluidity of nomadic society Unifies all the tribes, but  he needed enemies, pillage to keep unity

Elements of military success Mobilization of complete male population – high status of women in tribal societies made this possible Bow of Mongols was particularly good – accurate at very high range

Elements of military success Horse culture; Each Mongol in battle would have 5 horses at the start of a campaign. “Shock and awe” – ruthless or merciful Flexible in learning new tactics: learned seige warfare, used gunpowder, built a navy Raids and pillages first across Central Asia, city- states, regional kingdoms – outnumbered but not by that much

Conquests of Genghis Khan – Central Asia, not the high population areas

Elements of Mongol military success A vacuum into which the Mongols moved over the course of three generations – 80 years All their opponents were in state of decline: –Central Asia – Shahs ruling independent city-states were easist pickings –China – 2 different empires; conquered the easiest one first; armed by Song to fight Jurchens; several decades before an attempt to conquer the Song –Russia – many principalities –Abbasid Empire – in decline

The Mongol Khanates

The Four Khanates China – Yuan Dynasty ( ) Golden Horde – Russia ( ) –No direct control – no assimilation or change in Russian culture –Extraction of tribute from Russian princes –Turns Russia away from west, Catholism, development Il-khanate – Persia (1258 – 1350) –End of Abbasid Empire –Destruction of much of economy –Direct rule –Adopt Muslim religion, assimilate to Persian traditions Chagatai – Central Asia