1. The Mongols
Essential Question: How did the Mongols create the largest empire in history?

2. TEKS and Objectives We will… I will…
(1C) identify causes and effects of the Mongol invasions and their impact on Europe, China, India, and Southwest Asia
Using a quote by Genghis Khan and information from the lecture, I will describe Mongol values and their Eurasian conquest

3. Journal Entry
“The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy, to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears, and to carry off his wives and daughters.” Temujin (a.k.a. Genghis Khan)
Based on the quote, what do you think Mongols valued most? How would this help them in creating a large empire?

4. A Nomadic Way of Life Pastoral Nomads Herded domesticated animals
Always on the move in search of good pastures
Expert Horsemen
Able to ride up to 120 miles/day
Drank blood from horse’s neck when food was scarce

5. A Nomadic Way of Life Clans Group of people who travel together
Claim a common ancestor
Constantly fighting one another

6. Genghis the Conqueror Genghis Khan
Political and military genius who united the Mongol people

7. Genghis the Conqueror Gifted Strategist
Outsmarted and overpowered their enemies
Sent small groups to attack large enemies and retreat
When enemies gave chase, entire Mongol army who ambush them

8. Genghis the Conqueror Psychological Warfare
Most cities terrified and surrendered without a fight
Cities who refused to surrender slaughtered and burnt to the ground

9. Mongols and Eurasian Empire
Largest Empire in History
Stretched from Poland to China
13.8 million square miles
100 million people
Invasion of Japan
Mongols tried to invade twice but failed

11. The Adventures of Marco Polo
Silk Road
Series of land/sea trade routs from Asia to Europe
Mongols guaranteed safe passage for traders and missionaries
Marco Polo
Italian merchant who spent 24 years in China

12. The Adventures of Marco Polo
The Travels of Marco Polo
Book about Marco Polo’s adventures
Sparked Europe’s curiosity in the East
Probably responsible for the Age of Discovery

13. Legacy of the Mongols The Good
Cultural diffusion (spread different ideas)
Trade and safety improved along Silk Road
Tolerant of other religions

14. Legacy of the Mongols The Bad Few technological breakthroughs
Wrote few books and plays
Left few artifacts and buildings
Empire did not last long

15. Legacy of the Mongols The Ugly About 4 million died during invasions
Brutal methods of war
Probably helped spread the Black Death