1. Do now: Interpret these pictures

2. Goals for Today
Analyze primary and secondary sources about the Mongols
Explain how the Mongols built their empire
Debate the place in history and the accomplishments of the Mongols

3. THE MONGOLIAN EMPIRE WHERE WAS IT?

4. While merciless in battle, the Mongols were surprisingly tolerant of their conquered subjects in times of peace
The Mongols never forced their way of life on conquered people; instead they often adopted cultures of those they ruled over

5. In the West, some Mongols converted to Islam
While ferocious in war,
the Mongols were quite tolerant in peace. They rarely imposed their beliefs or way
of life on those they conquered. Over time, some Mongol rulers even adopted
aspects of the culture of the people they ruled. The Ilkhans and the Golden Horde,
for example, became Muslims. Growing cultural differences among the khanates
contributed to the eventual splitting up of the empire.
In the West, some Mongols converted to Islam
In the East, Mongols embraced Chinese culture 5

6. As long as the conquered people paid tribute to their Mongol rulers, they would live
Genghis controlled his warriors’ ferocity: rape and plunder without his permission was strictly forbidden
Genghis also shared his power; he gave his finest warriors leadership positions throughout the Mongolian Empire

7. Interaction between Mongols and conquered Muslims mostly happened in Persia and Western China
After initial brutality, the Mongols showed much religious toleration towards the Muslims
Muslim merchants were invited to China to promote trade between the Mongols’ empire and the Middle East

8. The Muslim pilgrim Ibn Battuta, who traveled 73,000 miles in his lifetime, remarked on the toleration for Muslims
Muslims living in the Mongols’ empire had a separate sphere in each city and were treated with respect

9. The Mongols Positive Negative
Reinvigorated trade (taxed and kept empire safe)
Increased Communication
Cuisine (different foods)
Relocated people that were useful
Tolerant of Relgions
Very Cruel
Brutal Conquers ( killed millions)
Their empire didn’t last
Not interested in art
Responsible for the Black Death