Mongol Empire 1207 1368 Early Nomads Asia known

Mongol Empire 1207 -1368

Early Nomads • Asia known for bringing terror to rest of world – Huns, Seljuk Turks • Mongols located in Northern Asia • Prior to the 13 th Century, Mongols lived as nomads • Brought together under Genghis Khan

Mongol Soldiers • As nomads, forced to perfect a certain set of skills – Superlative horseman and archers – Excellent endurance and toughness – Survived off of pillage and plunder • No need to wait for supplies • Prior to Genghis – only fought each other (Tartars)

Equipment • Clothing – One layer of silk – Covered with thin leather – Wool in winter • Helmets – Metal with pieces of metal covering neck and ears

Equipment • Weapons – Battle Axe – Scimitar • Curved Sword – Lance – Bow • Short and long range

Order from Chaos • Genghis was known to be a great warrior and cunning politician • Coaxed some tribes to unite, forced others • Eliminated hierarchy of classes • Appointed most trusted and talented as leaders • Outlawed sale of wives and excused poor from taxes • Barred rape and plunder… unless given permission

Tactics and Strategies • Genghis’ men were not known for strict formations and often looked unorganized • However, they were very disciplined and skilled fighters • Appearance of disorder often lured in enemies who would quickly be slaughtered.

Tactics and Strategies • Known for observing and adopting strategies of opponents • Become experts in siege warfare – Filled moats with sandbags – Constructed portable Catapults used to hurl everything from early napalm -like substances to animal carcasses

Primary Weapon - Terror • Mongol’s reputation preceded them • In 1220, one city’s inhabitants were gathered outside the city, slaughtered, beheaded – Their heads were then stacked into a pyramid to warn others who might resist

Conquering Asia • During the first 30 years of the 1200’s, Mongols Conquered most of Asia with relative ease. • By the time Genghis died in 1227, his empire stretched from the Pacific to the Caspian Sea. – Cause of death is still debated

Post Genghis • Khan’s son, Ogedei carried on the legacy of his father – Invaded Russia in 1237 – “Explored” Eastern Europe – Empire reached its peak under Ogedei (Vienna, Austria) • Kublai Khan (grandson of Genghis) became ruler in 1259

Kublai Khan • Admired Chinese civilization’s wealth and technology • Determined to create a new Empire • Named himself Emperor in 1271 • Established Yuan dynasty and named capital in Daidu (Beijing) • Lacked support of most Chinese • First to use counterweight Trebuchet in china – Launch 660 lbs 1640 ft

Mongol’s Halted • Kublai successfully conquered most of China by 1276 • In 1274 he attempted to move into Japan – Fleet destroyed in a storm • Tried again in 1281 – Again, destroyed in typhoons known as Kamikazes (“divine winds”)

Kublai Khan, grandson of Genghis Khan Destruction of the Mongol fleet attacking Japan Kublai Khan

Aftermath • Kublai had other failed attempts to conquer Vietnam • Did manage to take Burma and Korea • Upon his death, the empire slowly declined • In 1368 the Yuan dynasty was brought down after years of rebellion, drought and floods • Ming Dynasty begins (1368 -1644)