1. Mongols & Marco Polo
Chapter 12

2. I. Mongol Conquest
Mongols were able to create the largest empire in world history
Empire was larger than the land conquered by Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and Hitler combined

3. A. Nomadic Way of Life Pastoralists – Herded domesticated animals
Mongols were always on the move in search of good pastures
Became expert horse riders
Were able to ride up to 120 miles a day
Drank blood from their horse’s neck when food was scarce

4. Modern Day Nomads in Mongolia

5. B. Mongol Society
Clans – Group of people who traveled together and claimed a common ancestor
Clans were constantly fighting one another

6. C. Mongols are United
Genghis Khan – Political and military genius who united the Mongol people

7. D. Genghis the Conqueror
1) Great Organizer
Followed Chinese military strategies
2) Gifted Strategist
Mongols were able to out smart and overpower their enemies
Mongols sent small groups to attack large enemies and then retreat
When the enemy gave chase the entire Mongol army appeared and crushed them

8. 3) Used cruelty as a weapon
Most cities surrendered to the Mongols without a fight
Cities that refused to surrender would be slaughtered and burnt to the ground

9. E. Mongol Empire 1227 – Genghis Khan dies
His successors are able to create an empire stretching from China to Poland

10. Mongol Empire

11. F. Mongol Peace During times of peace the Mongols were quite tolerant
Pax Mongolica – Mongol peace that lasted from
Mongols guaranteed safe passage for traders and missionaries
Silk Road – Famous trade route from the Orient to Europe

12. Silk Road