Nomads to World Conquerors The Mongols Nomads to World Conquerors

Beginnings Founded by Chinggis Khan (aka Genghis Khan aka Temujin) between 1200-1250 Religion of the Mongols Shamanism-worshipped a sky god and an earth goddess, Shamans = priests Social classes Family of the chiefs (nobles) Ordinary people- no social distinctions Women had more power than others at the time

Mongol Rule Highest positions in government given to Mongols Creates resentment among Chinese-they don’t want to be ruled by foreigners

Ogedei Comes to power after Chinggis Khan Launches attacks on the Russians (1230s) Ogedei dies right before the Mongols march into Austria-Saves Europe from being conquered

After Ogedei Known as the Yuan Dynasty Capital at Khara Khorum (Karakorum) Learned from their conquered people Ex. Gunpowder from China Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace)-period of revived trade and unity, but closely monitored by the Mongols Tolerance for other Religions- Christian, Muslim, and Buddhist representatives at Khara Khorum

Khubilai Khan (aka Kublai Khan) Ruled 1260-1294 Rejected Chinese culture- no civil service exams Defeated much of South China and Korea; failed to conquer Japan

Decline and Division Never implemented a bureaucratic structure No uniform standards/policies/languages-hurts unity of empire Major disease in 1330s kills 10% of population Fighting occurs between rulers-divide up the empire in 1368 after peasant uprising; Yuan Khanate replaced becomes the Ming Dynasty

Khanates Il-Khanate- Iran/Middle East Eventually adopts Islam Dissolves in 1335 Qipchaq Khanate/Golden Horde-Russia Some Muslims, Some Eastern Orthodox Kiev had been an important city prior to Mongol Takeover Muscovy emerges as “New Kiev”- led by Ivan III, overthrow the Khanate in 1502 Chaghatai Khanate- modern day Mongolia 1350-Timur the Lame aka Tamerlane comes to power Conquered much of modern day Iran, Afghanistan, North India. Etc. Capital= Samarkand Ends shortly after his death in 1405