1. Aim: Explain the Khans’ Successes During the Mongol Empire

2. The Rise of the Mongols
For centuries, the Mongol people had roamed the eastern steep in loosely organized clans
Took a military & political genius to unite the Mongols
1200: A Mongol clan leader sought to unify the Mongols under his leadership
1206: Leader accepted title Genghis Khan (Universal Ruler)
Genghis launched a campaign of terror across Central Asia
Mongols destroy many cities
1225: Central Asia under Mongol control 2

3. Genghis the Conqueror
Several characteristics portrayed Genghis stunning success
1) Was a brilliant organizer
Grouped warriors in armies of 10,000
Put his most battle-proven & loyal man in command of these units
2) Was a Gifted strategist
Used various tricks to confuse enemies
3) Used cruelty as a weapon
Believed in terrifying his enemies into surrender
If city refused to open gates, he would kill entire population
Led to many towns surrendering without a fight 3

4. The Mongol Empire
After Genghis’s death, his sons and grandsons continued the campaign of conquest
Many of the areas invaded by the Mongols never recovered
The population of some cities were wiped out
Mongols destroyed ancient irrigation systems in areas such as the Tigris and Euphrates Valleys
No land could no support resettlement
Mid 1200’s-Mid 1300’s: Mongols imposed stability and law and order across much of Eurasia
Period called Pax Mongolica (Mongol Peace) 4