THE MONGOLS & CHINGGIS KHAN
Global History: Spiconardi
Origins of the Mongols
Origins of the Mongols
Geography Steppes grasslands that are not easily
cultivated Extreme Temperature Range
Winters could reach -57ºF Summer could reach 96ºF
What is missing from these
landscapes?
Origins of the Mongols
Social Organization Nomadic Pastoralists
herded domesticated animals
Clans group of people from a common ancestor Mongols could not marry
within the same clan Mongols had no written
language or agriculture
Mongols lived in yurts
If this is the case, then technically the
Mongols don’t meet the criteria of a what?
Origins of the Mongols
Mongols would carry their
possessions in these yurts as
they wandered in search of
pastures and resources
Recap Questions
Describe the geography of Mongolia. How was Mongol society organized? What type of existence did Mongols live?
Chinggis Khan
“Man’s greatest good fortune is to chase and defeat his enemy, seize his total possessions, leave his married women weeping and wailing, ride his horse, use the bodies of his women as a nightshirt and support…”
Read this quote attributed to the Great Khan. What do we
know about him based on this quote?
Chinggis Khan
Early Influences Assassination of father by a
tribe called the Tartars via poison
Harsh conditions of Central Asian Steppes
Constant tribal warfare Hardened Chinggis and made him
tough Mother’s arrow story inspired
Chinggis to unite Mongols
Conquests
…In the period from 1180–1220, Mongolia experienced a drop in the mean annual temperature, which meant that the growing season for grass was cut short. Less grass meant a real danger to the Mongols’ animals, and, since the animals were truly the basis of the Mongols’ pastoral-nomadic life, this ecological threat may have prompted them to move out of Mongolia.
A second reason often mentioned is the attempt by Mongolia’s neighbors in north andnorthwest China to reduce the amount of trade with the Mongols. Since the Mongols depended on trade for goods that they desperately needed—such as grain, craft, and manufactured articles—cessation [halting] of trade, or at least the diminution [reduction] of trade, could have been catastrophic for them…Unable to obtain goods that they so desperately needed, the Mongols’ response was to initiate raids, attacks, and finally invasions against these two dynasties.…
Source: “The Mongols in World History,” Asian Topics in World History online, Columbia University (adapted)
According to this excerpt from “The Mongols in World History,” what are two reasons the Mongols began conquering new lands?
Chinggis Khan’s Conquests
Mongol Army
… The Mongols had developed a composite bow made out of sinew and horn and were skilled at shooting it while riding, which gave them the upper hand against ordinary foot soldiers. With a range of more than 350 yards, the bow was superior to the contemporaneous [co-existing] English longbow, whose range was only 250 yards. …a sturdy stirrup enabled horsemen to be steadier and thus more accurate in shooting when mounted. A Chinese chronicler recognized the horse’s value to the Mongols, observing that “by nature they [the Mongols] are good at riding and shooting. Therefore they took possession of the world through this advantageof bow and horse.”…
Source: Morris Rossabi, “All the Khan’s Horses,” Natural History, October 1994
What are two military inventions that aided in the Mongol conquests? How did those inventions assist in conquests?
Mongol Army
Excellent horseman Since food was scarce warriors drank blood of horse to
sustain himself Silk under armor prevented deep arrowhead
wounds
Mongol Army
Military Tricks Dummy army False retreats additional forces
attack by surprise Weapons
Fold-away catapult Siege towers Gun-powder charges
Army could travel 70 miles a day
Chinggis Khan’s Legacy
Chinggis Khan’s Legacy
Unites Mongol people Organized vast empire into 4 regions called
Khanates Perhaps the two most important contribution
were: Isolation of Russia
Cuts off Russia from advancements of Western Europe during the Renaissance
Created the largest contiguous land empire ever
Death
Chinggis Khan dies in 1227 C.E., but his death is shrouded in uncertainty Thrown from horses? Pneumonia? Died from wounds by a Tangut
princess in self defense from rape?
Territory divided among sons Ogedai is elected universal khan
IDENTIFY:
3 MONGOL MILITARY TACTICS
2 WAYS IN WHICH THE MONGOL LANDSCAPE WAS HARSH
1 GROUP THAT CHINGGIS KHAN CONQUERED
3…2…1
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