1. The Mongol Conquests From Internet:

2. The Mongol Conquests
The Mongols, a nomadic people from the steppe, conquer settled societies across much of Asia.

3. Nomads of the Asian Steppe
Geography of the Steppe
Steppe—dry grassland of Eurasia—provides home for nomads.
Two main expanses: Central Asia to eastern Europe, and Mongolia.
Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal temperature differences.

4. Visual 1 of Asian steppes

5. The Nomadic Way of Life
Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd domesticated animals.
Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be skilled horse riders.
Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are linked by a common ancestor.

6. Visual 2 nomadic tents

7. Steppe Nomads and Settled Societies
Nomads and people living in settled communities often interact.
Some interactions are peaceful, as in trade.
Sometimes nomads raid towns and cities to seize wealth and goods.
Strong state or empire could protect its lands from these invasions.

8. The Rise of the Mongols Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols
About 1200, Genghis Khan—”universal ruler”—unites Mongols.
In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of conquest.
By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central Asia.

9. Genghis the Conqueror A brilliant organizer and strategist.
Uses brutality to terrorize his enemies and force surrenders.

10. The Mongol Empire Death and Succession Genghis Khan dies in 1227.
Successors continue conquests for 50 years.
The Mongols conquer territory from China to Poland.

11. The Mongol Empire, Continued
The Khanates
In east, Mongols conquer northern China and invade Korea.
In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten Vienna and Venice.
In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to Persia.
By 1260, Mongol Empire split into khanates of four regions.

12. The Mongol Empire, Continued
Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia & China)
Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)
Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia)
Ilkhanate (Persia)

14. The Mongols as Rulers The Mongol Peace
Mongol rulers are tolerant of other peoples and cultures.
Some Mongols adopt local ways, leading to a split among khanates.
The Mongol Peace
Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-1300s is called Pax Mongolica.
There was much east-west trade and exchange of ideas during this period.

15. The Mongols & The Mongol Empire

16. II. Early Conquests Why so successful? Highly organized and trained
Fighting units, called tumens, consisted of 10,000 soldiers, most on horseback
Gifted strategist – would often trick/surprise enemy
Cruelty as a weapon – believed in terrifying enemies into surrendering
If city fought back, would be destroyed, people killed/sold into slavery

17. III. Mongol Empire
Genghis established capital at Karakorum on steppes north of China
Summoned scholars from all corners of empire
Created government framework based on both Muslim and Chinese ideas/traditions
Creation of written Mongol language for recordkeeping and standardization of laws

18. III. Mongol Empire
Mongol rule helped to stabilize some areas – production and trade flourished between East and West
Period from mid-13th to mid-14th century called Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace)
Genghis died in 1227
Third son, Ogedei, elected grand khan – expanded empire to include Russia, much of the Islamic world, and China

19. III. Continued… Divide and conquered
Mongol empire divided into four regions, or Khanates, each ruled by a descendant of Chinggis
Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia and China)
Khanate of Chagatai (Central Asia)
The Ilkhanate (Persia)
Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)

20. Mongols and The Islamic Heartlands
Mongols captured and destroyed Baghdad in 1258
Murdered last Abbasi Khalifa, along with 800,000 more people (supposedly)
Left Muslim empire without a central authority
Will eventually lead to 3-way split: Ottomans, Mughals, Safawi

21. Mongols and The Islamic Heartlands
Mamluks (led by Baibars) in Egypt led rebellion against Mongols
Cooperated with Christian crusaders in Palestine
Mongols were forced to retreat, but remained in control of a vast territory
From edges of Byzantium to Oxus River in central Asia

22. Decline of the Mongol Empire
Mongol rule collapses in Persia in the 1330s;
Mongol rule collapses in Central Asia in the 1370s.
By the end of the 1300s, only Mongol rule in Russia remains, the Golden Horde.

23. Timeline of China’s Dynasties, 500-1500

24. Finally Let us Read Surah al-Asr Together

25. Thank you and May God Bless you.
Be in Allah’s Care
Thank you and May God Bless you.
Dr. A.S. Hashim