The Mongols

The Mongol Empires United most of Asia in the 1200s Largest land empire the world has ever seen Joined together civilizations across Asia and allowed trade to flourish

Rise of the Mongols Also known as Tatars or Tartars Arose on the steppes of Central Asia Were nomads and livestock herders Were excellent horsemen and archers Were perceived as barbarians – they did not have fixed settlements

Genghis Khan United around 1200 by Genghis Khan (Temujin) Born around 1155? Disgraced as a child Rose to be a leader of his tribe

Genghis Khan Rose to be a leader of his tribe In 1206 he united dozens of tribes under his control – proclaimed khan or ruler – took title of Genghis (strength) Led the Mongols in the conquest of China

Conquest of China In 1211 attacked Chinese state of Xi Xia Later attacked northern China By 1218 he turned his attention westward and attacked the Asian land empires

Conquest of China By 1220 he was attacking Herat in Afghanistan Also continued the conquest of China Died in 1227

Reasons for Mongol Success Large numbers – 3 million in 1200? Very good cavalrymen, Talented archers New military tactics – everything was organized in a military fashion Were able to incorporate advanced military tactics from conquered peoples to capture walled towns/cities

Pax Mongolica After 1227, GK son’s continued his conquests Ögödei 1227-41 Built Karakorum as capital Moved into northern and western China Forced Korea into tributary status

Pax Mongolica Moved into Europe in 1236 Gave command of a large invasion force to Batu (150,000-200,000 troops) By 1240 they had pushed into eastern Europe Caused tremendous panic After 1241 they stopped their advanced because of the death of Ögödei

Pax Mongolica Returned to Asia – did conquer most of Russia and the Ukraine Ruled over the area for 200 years as the Golden Horde By 1250 the empire stretched from China to Europe Advance was only stopped in Egypt Were able to pacify Asia

Pax Mongolica Peace meant that a single political authority made overland trade possible for the first time in 800 years Along with trade went the exchange of religious and cultural ideas Proved to be very capable administrators Created a law code for the entire area Adopted either Islam or Buddhism

Breakup of Mongol Empire “One can conquer an empire on horseback, but cannot govern an empire from horseback.” Empire began to break apart of its peak, after 1260 Faced problems of communication over a large territory Broke into several units

Breakup of Mongol Empire

Breakup of Mongol Empire Domain of the Great Khan (Mongolia, China, and territories to the south and east) Ruled by Kublai Khan Shifted focus to China

Breakup of Mongol Empire Golden Horde or Kipchak Empire (Russia and eastern Europe) Retained control over Russia until mid-1400s Rule ended by the power of Moscow Left a large and powerful Russian state in its wake

Breakup of Mongol Empire Jagatai Khanate (Central Asia) Converted to Islam Warlord Timur or Tamerlane attempted to repeat the success of Genghis Khan Conquered central Asia, Peria, Crimea, and northern India in a very bloody military campaign that ended upon his death in 1405

Breakup of Mongol Empire Il-Khan Empire (Middle East) Weakened by attacks from the Jagatais Ruled over the Silk Road