chapter 11

The Mongol Empire

• The Mongols formed the greatest land-based empire in history following their breakout from Mongolia in the thirteenth century.
1. extensive linkage of pastoralists of inner Eurasian steppes with agricultural civilizations
2. created far greater contact between Europe, China, and Islamic world than ever before
3. total Mongol population was only about 700,000
4. did not have a major cultural impact on the world
• did not try to spread their ancestor worship/shamanism to others
• mostly interested in exploiting conquered peoples
• Mongol culture today largely confined to Mongolia
• Mongol Empire was the last great nomadic state
• From Temujin to Chinggis Khan: The Rise of the Mongol Empire
1. Temujin (1162–1227) created the Mongol Empire
2. Mongols before Temujin were unstable collection of feuding tribes and clans
3. Temujin’s rise
• father was a minor chieftain, but was murdered before Temujin turned ten
• Temujin’s mother held family together by hunting and fishing after they were deserted by the clan
• when Temujin grew up, he drew together a small following of friends, allied with a more powerful tribal leader
• shifting series of alliances, betrayals, military victories
• won a reputation as a great leader

C. Explaining the Mongol Moment

1. Mongol Empire grew without any grand scheme

2. by the time of his death, Chinggis Khan saw conquests as a mission to unite the whole world

3. Mongols were vastly outnumbered by their enemies

4. good luck and good timing played a role

a. China was divided

b. Abbassid caliphate was in decline

5. Key to Mongol success was their well-led, organized, disciplined army

a. military units of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 warriors

b. conquered tribes were broken up and scattered among units

c. tribalism was also weakened by creation of imperial guard

d. all members of a unit were killed if any deserted in battle

e. leaders shared the hardships of their men

f. elaborate tactics: encirclement, retreat, deception

g. vast numbers of conquered peoples were incorporated into army

It was interesting how the Mongols heard a womans opinion. They would take into consideration, everyone's opinion even the women which was rare back in the day women were usually never heard or thought about. The Mongols used it as a success strategy to use everyone's knowledge because it brought new ideas for them. Women were able to have partners as well. They weren’t forced to be with others, they had a choice.