1. Means for fast conquests
THE MONGOLS
Means for fast conquests
Military Tactics
Extraordinary abilities on horseback and special properties of their bows
Mongol bows could shoot 1/3 further
Composite structure of bow, jade thumb ring allow archers hand to withstand tremendous tension of bowstring

2. Means for fast conquests
THE MONGOLS
Means for fast conquests
Military Tactics (cont.)
Would destroy enemies marksmen from “safe” distance
Ride horses into combat against enemy infantry

3. Means for fast conquests
THE MONGOLS
Means for fast conquests
Adaptability
Policy of inclusiveness
Genghis Khan’s advisors were adherents of all religions and linguistic groups
Indicative in the Mongol’s technique for seizing forts/cities
Volley of flaming arrows
Hurling of projectiles
City residents had choice to surrender and assimilate or die!

4. Means for fast conquests
THE MONGOLS
Means for fast conquests
Adaptability
Mongol armies grow after each successive conquest
Small elite groups oversee armies of recruits:
Turkic
Iranian
Arabian
Played rivalries against each other (Christians vs. Muslims)

5. THE MONGOLS Spread of Plague
The Mongol conquests opened overland trade routes and brought about an unprecedented commercial integration of Eurasia
Long-distance trade under Mongols led to transfer of military and scientific knowledge…

6. THE MONGOLS Spread of Plague
Diseases including bubonic plague also spread over the trade routes of the Mongol empire
Plague had lingered in Yunnan, transferred to central and north China, to Central Asia, to Kaffa, and from there to the Mediterranean world