The Mongols

The Mongols

Lived on the northern Asian steppeNomadicHighly skilled on horsebackTook pride in discipline, ruthlessness, and courage

Nomads vs. Settled SocietiesNOMADS

Traveled together in groups called clans

Traded horses for goods

Sometimes raid communities for goods

Great Wall was built to keep them out

SETTLEDLived in villages and

towns

Protected by Chinese Dynasties

Engaged in peaceful trade

Lived in constant fear of raids

Rise of the Mongols

United by Genghis Khan or “universal ruler”

Unified clans by defeating his rivals one by one

Conquered and controlled all of Central Asia

Genghis-the man

1. Brilliant organizer

2. Gifted strategist

3. Adopted new technology

4. Used cruelty as a weapon

The Mongol Empire

His sons divided his empire into sections called “Khanates”

Ruled the largest empire in the world

The Khanates

Effects of Pax Mongolia

Mongols imposed stability and law and order across Asia

Guaranteed safe passage along the silk road

Dramatically increased trade between Asia and Europe

This is when Gunpowder and Porcelain reached Europe

During this time period the Black Death spreads from China to Italy

Kublai Khan Conquers ALL of China

Genghis Kahn’s grandsonFirst Mongol to ever rule ChinaBuilt a grand capital cityCould not conquer Japan

Marco Polo (not the swimming pool game, the man!)

Most famous European to visit China during the Mongol ruleHe was a trader on the Silk RoadHe served on government missions for Kublai KahnHis stories were never verified, although is book was widely read, many did not believe it

End of Mongol Rule

Mongol rule weakened after Kublai Kahn’s death

Rebellions broke out in many parts of China

Chinese rebel leaders established the Ming Dynasty