Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration

Name: Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
Uploaded: 2017-07-11T20:36:16+00:00
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Description: Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration

Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration

Turkish Migrations and Imperial Expansion Turks never formed one group Organized into clans that often fought All spoke related languages – all were nomads or descendants of nomads Dominated steppes Settled societies in Persia, Anatolia and India Turkish Empires and Their Neighbors, ca C.E.

Nomadic Economy and Society Rainfall in central Asia is too little to support large-scale agriculture Good for herding / raising cattle, horses, sheep, goats, camels Food Clothing Shelter (yurts) Migratory patterns to follow pastureland (Moved after the animals thinned the grasses) Small-scale farming, rudimentary artisanry Nomad tribes developed because of the climate of the steppes -- Oases in some areas, but mostly only grasses and bushes -- No big rivers for irrigation systems. Followed migratory cycles according to the seasons and local climate

Nomadic Economy Trade links between nomadic and settled peoples Nomads engage in long-distance travel Caravan routes - Because they were mobile, they were often the ones who organized caravans to cross Asia and link China with the Med.

Nomadic Society Governance basically clan-based Charismatic individuals become nobles, occasionally assert authority Unusually fluid status for nobility Hereditary, but could be lost through incompetence Advancement for meritorious commoners There were two classes: nobles and commoners nobles – didn’t do much governing because tribes and clans liked to govern themselves – however, during war, they had absolute authority over forces Commoners could become nobles because of war conduct -- could arrange marriages and alliances to gain support to kick out leaders

Gender Relations Women wielded considerable influence Advisors Occasionally regents or rulers Enjoyed higher status than those in settled societies Had to maintain camp while men hunted…responsible for tending animals, were expert horsemen, skilled archers – sometimes fought with men

Nomadic Religion Shamans center of pagan worship Appeal of Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, Islam, Manichaeism from 6th century C.E. Many converted Conversion to Islam in tenth century due to Abbasid influence shamans – religious people with supernatural powers – communicated with gods and nature spirits Many Turks however, became entranced with religions they encountered Turks living near Abbassid converted to Islam -- those that migrated, carried the religion elsewhere

Military Organization Large confederations under a khan Authority extended through tribal elders Exceptionally strong cavalries Mobility Speed strong cavalry few armies could defeat them – when they did, the Turks could swiftly retreat Thus, several groups in the 10th century began to seize wealth of societies and build imperial states

Saljuq Turks and the Abbasid Empire 8th to 10th centuries, Turkish peoples on border of Abbasid empire Service in Abbasid armies Eventually came to dominate Abbasid caliphs Many Seljuq Turks served in Abbasid armies and lived in empire

Saljuq Turks and the Abbasid Empire 1055, Saljuq leader Tughril Beg recognized as sultan by Abasidian Caliph Tughril consolidated his hold on capital, Baghdad, then… He and successors extended rule to other parts of the empire (Syria, Palestine, etc.) Abbasid caliphs served as figureheads of authority 1055, the caliph recognized the Saljuq leader, Tughril Beg, as sultan

Saljuq Turks and the Byzantine Empire 1071, Saljuq Turks defeat Byzantine army at Battle of Manzikert, take emperor captive Large-scale invasion of Anatolia Many conversions to Islam Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople in 1453 Other Turks turned to Anatolia – breadbasket of the Byzantine Empire peasants were mostly happy and saw them as saviors -- levied taxes on the Byzantine Church – took property Anatolia became a Turkish, Islamic land Emperor captured, brought before Sultan…the Sultan forced his foot into neck…made to kiss the ground. Famous conversation too: Alp Arslan: "What would you do if I were brought before you as a prisoner?“ Romanos: "Perhaps I'd kill you, or exhibit you in the streets of Constantinople.“ Alp Arslan: "My punishment is far heavier. I forgive you, and set you free."

Turkish Empires and Their Neighbors, ca C.E.

Ghaznavid Turks and the Sultanate of Delhi Other Turks enter India Mahmud of Ghazni, Afghanistan, invades northern India At first for plunder, later to rule Northern India completely dominated by 13th century Persecution of Buddhists, Hindus Mahmud of Ghazni (Afghan) led raids into rich areas of India By 13th century, the Sultanate of Delhi claimed authority over all of northern India Mahmud did not like Buddhism or Hinduism – raided shrines, temples, monasteries Wanted to conquer southern India but was not successful Turkish Empires and Their Neighbors, ca C.E.

Turkish Empires in Persia, Anatolia, and India The Turkish conquests of Persia, Anatolia and India were part of a larger movement by nomadic people Yet what the Turks did was small in comparison to what the Mongols would do END

Chinggis Khan ( ) and the Making of the Mongol Empire Temüjin, b. 1167 Father prominent warrior, poisoned ca. 1177, forced into poverty Nomadic Mongols lived on high steppe lands of eastern central Asia Chinggis Khan would make the largest empire ever seen father was warrior who had forged alliances with several clans – was then poisoned and alliance destroyed Temujin then lived in poverty – escaped attempted murders – once caught, but escaped.

Chinggis Khan ( ) and the Making of the Mongol Empire Mastered steppe diplomacy, elimination of enemies Brought all Mongol tribes into one confederation 1206, proclaimed Chinggis Khan (“universal ruler”) - Mastered the art of steppe diplomacy – displays of courage in battle with intense loyalty to allies and willingness to betray allies or superiors to improve position – ability to entice new tribes in

Mongol Political Organization Broke up tribal organization Formed military units from men of different tribes Promoted officials on basis of merit and loyalty Established capital at Karakorum – luxury palace chose high military and political officials based on talent or loyalty. Created strong political state less troubled by conflicts b/w clans and tribes.

Mongol Arms Mongol population only one million (less than 1% of Chinese population) Army numbered 100, ,000 Strengths: Cavalry Short bows Rewarded enemies who surrendered, cruel to enemies who fought Most important institution was the army Great horsemanship – arrows could reach 656 feet -- were the most mobile force – could travel 100 miles a day If enemies surrendered w/o resistance – usually spared lives -- gave generous treatment of artisans, craftsworkers and those with military skills -- with resistance, they sometimes slaughtered entire populations

Mongol Conquests Conquest of China by 1220 Conquest of Afghanistan, Persia Had been ruled by succesor to Saljuk Turks, Khwarazm Shah Emissaries murdered; following year, Chinggis Khan destroys ruler 1211 Mongol raiding parties invaded the Jurchen people of N. China – raids b/c more frequent – soon moved towards conquest. Shah despised the Mongols – ordered Khan envoys and merchant murdered. -- Next year, Khan took armies for revenge – drove Shah into exile and took kingdom by 1215, captured capital near Beijing – Khanbaliq was capital of Mongols in China

Mongol Conquests Ravaged lands to prevent future rebellions Large-scale, long-term devastation - destroyed cities, killed hundreds of thousands – destroyed the qanat irrigation systems which reduced agricultural production

Mongol Empire Khan ruled through army force – did not have central gov’t. Assigned Mongol overlords to supervise local administrators and collect tribute His heirs continued conquests, but also tried to create a more permanent administration

Mongol Empire Power struggle between sons and grandsons Would eventually divide into four regional empires The Mongol Empires, ca C.E.

Khubilai Khan (r ) Grandson of Chinggis Khan – ruled at the height of Mongolian Empire Conquered the Song Dynasty, Ruled China Established Yuan dynasty (to 1368) Ruthless warrior, but religiously tolerant Hosted Marco Polo The consolidation of Mongol rule came under Khubilai Khan, probably the most talented of Genghis’ descendants (grandson) Was ruthless against enemies, but also was interested in cultural matters and worked to improve welfare of his subjects. He promoted Buddhism, gave support for Daoists, Muslims, and Christians in his empire Marco Polo lived at court for 2 decades – praised him for generosity

Khubilai Khan (r ) Unsuccessful forays into Vietnam, Cambodia, Burma, Java Two attempted invasions of Japan (1274, 1281) turned back by typhoons (kamikaze: “divine winds”) - Tried to invade Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma – did not succeed – troops not used to humid jungles and guerilla tactics tried to invade Japan by sea – two typhoons stopped him > one storm in 1281 destroyed 4,500 Mongol vessels with 100,000 troops – largest seaborn expedition before WWII - while this was happening, his cousins and brothers were working on the lands to the west…

The Golden Horde Conquest of Russia, Established tributary relationship to 15th century Rule over Crimea to late 18th century Raids into Poland, Hungary, Germany the Golden Horde, overran Russia -- but, did not occupy Russia – did not like land of forests Moscow rejected its authority

The Ilkhanate of Persia Abbasid empire toppled, the Mongolians establish the Ilkhanate of Persia Baghdad sacked, 1258 200,000 massacred Expansion into Syria checked by Egyptian forces Khubilai’s brother toppled the Abbasid empire – est. Mongol ilkhanate in Persia captured capital at Baghdad –looted the city, executed the caliph massacred more than 200,000 – ventured into Syria – but Muslim forces from Egypt kicked him out

Mongol Rule in Persia Nomadic conquerors had to learn to rule sedentary societies Inexperienced, lost control of most lands within a century Persia: dependence on existing administration to deliver tax revenues Left matters of governance to bureaucracy Eventually assimilated into Islamic lifestyle Mongols not good at est. gov’t – no experience with complex societies - In Persia allowed to serve as ministers, governors and state officials at low levels - gradually, Mongols gravitated toward Islam

Mongol Rule in China The Mongols strove to maintain strict separation from Chinese Intermarriage forbidden Chinese forbidden to study Mongol language Imported administrators from other areas (especially Arabs, Persians) Yet tolerated religious freedoms - In China – they did not mingle with their subjects -- ended privileges enjoyed by Confucian scholars – ended educational and exam system

The Mongols and Buddhism Shamanism remains popular Lamaist school of Buddhism (Tibet) increasingly popular among Mongols Large element of magic, similar to shamanism Ingratiating attitude to Mongols: khans as incarnations of Buddha They did allow construction of churches, temples, and shrines – tolerated all cultural and religious traditions leaders officially recognized the Mongols as legit leaders and courted their favors.

The Mongols and Western Integration Experience with long-distance trade Protection of traveling merchants Volume of trade across central Asia increases Diplomatic missions protected Brought much destruction, but also brought integration of different societies and linked Eurasia. Promoted trade -- Mongols tried to keep trade routes safe and secure for merchants – long distance trade less risky

The Mongols and Western Integration Missionary activity increases Mongol resettlement policies Mongols didn’t have many craftsmen or specialists Recruited people from their allies and the conquered people Moved them to where they could be most useful Would separate the conquered people with specialized skills and send them to capital at Karakorum or elsewhere Lamaist Buddhist monks, as well as Nestorian Christian monks and Roman Catholics traveled through the empires (esp. China) to spread their religion sponsored resettlement --

Decline of Mongol Empire in Persia Overspending, poor tax returns from overburdened peasantry Ilkhan attempts to replace precious metal currency with paper in 1290s Failure, forced to rescind Factional fighting Last ilkhan dies without heir in 1335, Mongol rule collapses The Ilkhan tried to introduce paper money and make all people accept it for debts Merchants shut down instead of accept it – Factional fighting among the leaders When Ilkhan Ghazan died in 1304, Mongol rule in Persia collapsed

Decline of Yuan Dynasty in China Mongols spend bullion that supported paper currency Public loses confidence in paper money, prices rise From 1320s, major power struggles bullion is a bar of gold, silver, etc. (precious metal) didn’t have enough bullion to back up their paper money -- Value dropped and prices went up

Decline of Yuan Dynasty in China Bubonic plague spreads s 1368, Mongols flee peasant rebellion, return to the steppes Bubonic Plague sometimes killed half of each village & Chinese hate their Mongol overlords 1320’s power struggles, banditry, thieves, assassinations and civil war

Attacking a port at Kaffa near the Black Sea
Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration Surviving Mongol Khanates Khanate of Chaghatai in central Asia Continued threat to NW borders of China until 18th century Golden Horde in Caucasus and steppes to mid-sixteenth century Continued threat to Russia - Mongols who had settled in Crimean peninsula stayed there until Josef Stalin moved them elsewhere in the Soviet Union in the mid-twentieth century Attacking a port at Kaffa near the Black Sea

Tamerlane the Conqueror (ca ) The decline of the Mongol empire did not end the influence of nomadic peoples on Eurasia Turkish conqueror Timur Timur the Lame: Tamerlane United Turkish nomads in khanate of Chaghatai Major military campaigns Built capital in Samarkand it is believed that Timur tried to steal a sheep from a shepherd but was shot by two arrows, one in his right leg and another in his right hand, where he lost two fingers. Both injuries crippled him for life. Big numbers of nomadic Turks began to conquer areas after the Mongols migrated from central Asia Tamerlane’s Empire, ca C.E.

Tamarlane’s Heirs Poor organization of governing structure, esp. after Tamarlane’s death Power struggles divide empire into four - yet heavily influenced several empires: Mughal Safavid Ottoman Osman created a small state in northwest Anatolia 1299 – declared independence from Saljuq sultan Began to overtake the Byzantine Empire a piece at a time He and followers became known as the Ottomans

The Ottoman Empire Osman, charismatic leader who dominates part of Anatolia Declares independence from Saljuq sultan, 1299 Attacks Byzantine empire Followers known as Osmanlis (Ottomans) Osman created a small state in northwest Anatolia 1299 – declared independence from Saljuq sultan Began to overtake the Byzantine Empire a piece at a time He and followers became known as the Ottomans

Ottoman Conquests 1350s conquests in the Balkans Local support for Ottoman invasion Peasants unhappy with fragmented, ineffective Byzantine rule Tamerlane defeats Ottoman forces in 1402, but Ottomans recover by 1440s Osman created a small state in northwest Anatolia 1299 – declared independence from Saljuq sultan Began to overtake the Byzantine Empire a piece at a time He and followers became known as the Ottomans

The Capture of Constantinople The Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed II (“Mehmed the Conqueror”) Renamed the city of Constantinople to Istanbul - capital of Ottoman empire - By 1480, they controlled Greece continued to expand into southwest Asia, southeast Europe, Egypt and north Africa

Crashcourse: The Mongols

XXXX BEGIN HERE XXXX - The Mongol Empires after Chinggis Khan 1295, Ilkhan Ghazan converted and most followed his example – led to large scale massacres of Christians and Jews – Islam returned to privileged status

Chapter 17: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration

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