1. Nomads of the Asian Steppes

2. Asian Steppes Steppe: Vast stretch of grassland – spreads across Asia for thousands of miles Nomadic people roamed the steppes Nomadic people roamed the steppes Temperature extremes: -57° to 96°F Temperature extremes: -57° to 96°F

3. Mongol Nomads Many nomads roamed on horseback – lived together in clans (kinship groups)

4. The Rise of the Mongols Mongol clan leader named Temujin defeated rivals across Mongolian steppe – took name of “Genghis Khan” or ‘universal ruler’ Spent 21 years conquering much of Asia Spent 21 years conquering much of Asia

5. Genghis Khan’s “Reign of Terror” “In retribution for every hair on their heads it seemed that a hundred thousand heads rolled in the dust”

6. Genghis Khan Sought revenge against other tribes & Muslim neighbors – ruthless tactics/slaughtered thousands Created largest unified land empire in history (from China to Poland)

7. The Mongol Empire - Khanates Genghis Khan Ogadai (Genghis Khan’s son) Kublai Khan a.k.a. the ‘Great Khan’ (Genghis Khan’s grandson)

8. The Khanates Each Khanate ruled a portion of the empire Kublai Khan “The Great Khan” Mongolia & China Khan of PersiaKhan of Russia Khan of Central Asia

9. Khanate of the “Great Khan” Chagatai Khanate Khanate of the Golden Horde Ilkhanate of Persia

10. The Khanates of the Mongol Empire Khanates were effective leaders (similar to province system of earlier civilizations) At first – destroyed land & irrigation of enemies --> became very feared Eventually adopted culture from many areas --> ruled with stability, law & order The Pax Mongolica “Mongol Peace” (1200- 1300) had stability, trade, & exchange of ideas The Pax Mongolica “Mongol Peace” (1200- 1300) had stability, trade, & exchange of ideas

11. Problems for Kublai Khan Khan was once told by an advisor: “I have heard that one can conquer the empire on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback”

12. Kublai Khan’s rule Government run by Mongols, but the population was overwhelmingly Chinese Distrust led to lack of Chinese influence in government BUT…this distrust led to a HUGE foreign influence in China – including BUT…this distrust led to a HUGE foreign influence in China – including Arab Muslims, Indians, Persians, and Christian Europeans One European to visit & trade: Marco Polo

13. Marco Polo questions Who was Marco Polo? Where was he from? What was he doing in China? Why did Kublai Khan employ him?

14. Marco Polo – Accurate story or ‘made up’? What are the problems with the primary source account that you have just read? In other words, what makes it not believable? What makes this account “believable”?