Mongol Eurasia & Its Aftermath

Nomadism in Central Asia Resources –Constant pressure to find new sources of food & water Complex Hierarchy –Headed by single leader (khan) –Powerful groups demanded tribute in the form of slaves and goods. –The groups formed larger groups called federations –Women important in negotiating alliances Seasonal Migrations and Contacts –Brought into contact w/ Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism & Islam –Tolerant of other Religions –Khan thought to represent sky god

Genghis Khan Temujin aka Chengiz Khan –Responsible for bringing together ALL tribes into a Mongol confederation –Called for displays of courage in battle combined with intense loyalty Legacies (aside from conquests): –His tolerance of many religions –His creation of the Mongols' first script –His support for trade and crafts –His creation of a legal code –First international ‘postal service’

Mongol Conquests conquered from Korea to Hungary and Baghdad Reputation for slaughtering all who would not surrender Ability to take advantage of rivalry among enemies Military Success Base On: –Expert Horsemanship –Better bows –Following a volley of arrows w/ deadly cavalry –Adopting new/foreign military techniques and technology –Incorporating non-Mongol soldiers into their armies

Strong Equestrians and Archers Extreme Mobility –Carried their houses with them –Drank their horses’ blood & milk –Could travel up to 60 miles/day. –Orders could be transmitted rapidly across Eurasia. Deadly Archers –Could accurately kill at 200M –Used composite, recurve bows –Modified stirrups for balance –Noisemaking arrowheads

Impact of the Mongols Opened Overland Trade Routes –Long distance trade spread ideas/technology Europe, Middle East, and Asia. –Trade from Venice to Beijing by sea and overland routes (Marco Polo) –The Great Pandemic (Bubonic Plague) would follow trade

Shortly after Genghis Khan’s death in 1227, his empire split into four Khanates among sons & grandsons (P 329).