Mongol Eurasia & Its Aftermath 1200-1500

Nomadism in Central Asia Resources Scarce water = Pressure for tribes to move out to find new sources Complex federations The groups /families formed larger groups called federations Women important in negotiating alliances Seasonal migrations and religious contacts Brought into contact w/: Manichaeism, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, & Islam Tolerant of other Religions Khan thought to represent the sky god Hierarchical organization Headed by single leader or Khan Khan’s decision had to be ratified by a council of leaders of powerful families Power groups demanded and received tribute in the form of slaves and goods Some lived entirely on tribute

Genghis Khan Temujin aka Genghis (Chinggis) Khan Mastered the art of steppe diplomacy called for displays of personal courage in battle, combined with intense loyalty to allies, a willingness to betray others to improve one’s position and the ability to entice other tribes into cooperative relationships Was responsible for bringing together all Mongol tribes into a single confederation The four most significant legacies of Genghis Khan are: his tolerance of many religions his creation of the Mongols' first script his support for trade and crafts his creation of a legal code specific to the Mongols' pastoral-nomadic way of life

Mongol Conquests 1206-1258 conquered form Korea to Hungary and Baghdad Reputation for slaughtering all who would not surrender Ability to take advantage of rivalry among enemies Ability to conquer based on: Horsemanship Better bows Following a volley of arrows w/ deadly cavalry Willing and actually adopting new military techniques Adopt new military technology (catapults-China & Central Asia) Incorporate non Mongol soldiers into their armies

Strong Equestrians and Archers The Mongols were oriented around extreme mobility. They carried their houses with them, drank their own horse's blood and milk to stay alive, and could travel up to 62 miles per day. They had an elaborate priority-mail-system which allowed orders to be transmitted rapidly across Eurasia. Mongol archers were very deadly and accurate Their arrows could kill enemies at 200 meters (656 feet) Modified stirrup ‘Terror’ tactics (noise making arrows)

Impact of the Mongols Mongol conquests opened overland trade routes Demographic change via the plague and major population shifts Never before seen commercial integration in Eurasia Trade from Venice to Beijing and beyond Long distance trade led to cross diffusion of military and science between Europe, Middle East, China and Iran.

Shortly after Genghis Khan’s death in 1227, his empire split into four Khanates among sons & grandsons (P 328).