THE MONGOLS Essential Question How did the Mongols

THE MONGOLS Essential Question: How did the Mongols create the largest empire in history?

TEKS and Objectives We will… I will… (1 C) identify causes and effects of the Mongol invasions and their impact on Europe, China, India, and Southwest Asia ■ Using a quote by Genghis Khan and information from the lecture, I will describe Mongol values and their Eurasian conquest

Journal Entry “The greatest happiness is to scatter your enemy, to see his cities reduced to ashes, to see those who love him shrouded in tears, and to carry off his wives and daughters. ” Temujin (a. k. a. Genghis Khan) Based on the quote, what do you think Mongols valued most? How would this help them in creating a large empire?

A Nomadic Way of Life ■ Pastoral Nomads – Herded domesticated animals – Always on the move in search of good pastures ■ Expert Horsemen – Able to ride up to 120 miles/day – Drank blood from horse’s neck when food was scarce

A Nomadic Way of Life ■ Clans – Group of people who travel together – Claim a common ancestor – Constantly fighting one another

Genghis the Conqueror ■ Genghis Khan – Political and military genius who united the Mongol people

Genghis the Conqueror ■ Gifted Strategist – Outsmarted and overpowered their enemies – Sent small groups to attack large enemies and retreat – When enemies gave chase, entire Mongol army who ambush them

Genghis the Conqueror ■ Psychological Warfare – Most cities terrified and surrendered without a fight – Cities who refused to surrender slaughtered and burnt to the ground

Mongols and Eurasian Empire ■ Largest Empire in History – Stretched from Poland to China – 13. 8 million square miles – 100 million people ■ Invasion of Japan – Mongols tried to invade twice but failed

The Adventures of Marco Polo ■ Silk Road – Series of land/sea trade routs from Asia to Europe – Mongols guaranteed safe passage for traders and missionaries ■ Marco Polo – Italian merchant who spent 24 years in China

The Adventures of Marco Polo ■ The Travels of Marco Polo – Book about Marco Polo’s adventures – Sparked Europe’s curiosity in the East – Probably responsible for the Age of Discovery

Legacy of the Mongols ■ The Good – Cultural diffusion (spread different ideas) – Trade and safety improved along Silk Road – Tolerant of other religions

Legacy of the Mongols ■ The Bad – Few technological breakthroughs – Wrote few books and plays – Left few artifacts and buildings – Empire did not last long

Legacy of the Mongols ■ The Ugly – About 4 million died during invasions – Brutal methods of war – Probably helped spread the Black Death