1. Analyze at the characteristics of the Mongolian culture. What would YOU do? How would you… ◦ Survive? ◦ Find food? ◦ Care for your family? ◦ Defend yourself?

3.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_J3HDSZ Aa8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_J3HDSZ Aa8

4.  The Mongols a nomadic people from the steppe, conquered settled societies across much of Asia -They built the largest unified land empire in the history of the world

5.  Mongolia had a large land empire  China lays to the southeast, Russia to the west  Located on the Asian Steppe (dry, grass covered plain)  Non-arable land, very dry, extreme temperature change

6.  Nomadic: constantly on the move.  Pastoralists: herd domesticated animals  Traveled in clans  Live on horseback; depend on animals for food, clothing and housing  Constant battles to defend land

7.  Usually peaceful trade between nomads and settled people  Sometimes tempted by land and wealth of settled people; raids were common  Strong empires could defend themselves (China built the Great Wall)  Weaker states in danger of becoming conquered

8. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlWZZSD4ir M

9.  Horses and the stirrup ◦ Mongols were excellent horsemen; stirrups major advantage in battle  Bow and arrows

10.  Genghis Khan united Mongols for the purpose of conquest  Conquered China, Islamic regions, Russia  Very violent, ruthless warriors

11.  He is a brilliant organizer  Gifted strategist  Adopted new weapons and technology  Used cruelty as a weapon

12.  Mongols create law and order in Eurasia  Under Mongol rule, trade and travel on Silk road become safer (cultural diffusion) ◦ Pax Mongolia (peace in Mongolia)  Increase trade between Europe and Asia  Ideas, invention (gunpowder) and black plague travel along trade route

13.  Occupied and isolated Russia for 200 years  Demanded obedience and tribute  Helped reunite Russia and gave rise to the city of Moscow

14.  Massive size made it difficult to rule  Lose power to local leaders  By 1300 divided into smaller states

15.  How does your ‘culture’ compared to the Mongol culture?  List some similarities and differences.  Would YOU have survived?