1. 15.3 THE MONGOLS IN CHINA

2. Who were the Mongols?  These nomads, or people who move from place to place in search of food, came from an area north of China called Mongolia. Living in movable tents called yurts, the Mongols raised horses, sheep, and yaks.  The Mongols traveled in clans following their herds. Animals grazed the large steppes of Mongolia. Steppes are wide, grassy plains that stretch from the Black Sea to Northern China.

3. Who were the Mongols?  Children learned to ride horses at age 4 – 5, spending most of their lives on horseback.  The Mongols were amazing warriors. Riding on horses toward an enemy, the Mongols could accurately shoot arrows from far distances.  Mongol clans engaged in frequent wars with neighboring lands.

4. Genghis Khan  The nomadic clans were eventually united by Genghis Khan. 1. Khan's birth name was Temujin. 2. As a young man, Temujin started to unite Mongol clans to improve their chances in battle. 3. By 1202, he had created an intimidating force who attacked and conquered neighboring lands.

5. Genghis Khan  Temujin's success impressed the aging Mongol king and he was made heir to the throne. In 1206, Temujin became Genghis Khan or “strong ruler”.  Khan continued the process he had already begun: Organizing warriors, uniting Mongol tribes, and creating an army of more than 100,000 warriors.

6. The Use of Terror  Genghis Khan and his Mongol warriors became known for their cruelty and use of terror.  Mongol warriors attacked, robbed and burned cities…scaring people into surrendering. Soon, many people surrendered to the Mongols without even trying to fight them…

7. The Mongols Bring Stability  Encouraged trade and closer contact between Asia and Europe.  Admired the cultures they conquered and adopted many of their beliefs and customs.  Learned about and used many of China’s inventions.

8. Genghis Khan Dies  His large empire is divided among his four sons.  The Mongols continued to adopt many Chinese inventions including the use of gunpowder.  Gunpowder and new weapons allow the Mongols to continue frightening and conquering their enemies.