Mongolian SteppesMongolian Steppes

Typical Mongol “Yurt”Typical Mongol “Yurt”

Mongol WarriorsMongol Warriors

Mongol ArcherMongol Archer

Mongol Nobleman, Late 13 c.

Mongol Nobleman, Late 13 c.

Robe of a Mongol Nobleman, Early 14 c

Robe of a Mongol Nobleman, Early 14 c

The Mongol EmpireThe Mongol Empire

The Extent of the Mongol Empire

The Extent of the Mongol Empire

Mongol InvasionsMongol Invasions

The MongolsThe Mongols

The Mongols, known as Tatars to the Russians, were nomadic people who raised livestock by pasturing and producing everything they needed from the herds. The unification of the Mongol tribes by Genghis Khan strengthened the country in the 13th century.

By 1240, the Mongols had conquered or destroyed almost every city in Kievan Russia, using cavalry archers, under the leadership of Batu Kahn.

The Mongols created the largest contiguous empire in world history.

Genghis Khan 1162 - 1227 Genghis Khan 1162 - 1227

Originally named Temujin, the name Genghis Khan was taken by himself, meaning world ruler.

The Reflex Bow, the main Mongol weapon.

The MongolsThe Mongols

Genghis Khan’s Tax Laws: If you do not pay homage,

we will take your prosperity. If you do not have prosperity,

we will take your children. If you do not have children,

we will take your wife. If you do not have a wife,

we will take your head. Used cruelty as a weapon some areas

never recovered from Mongol destruction!

“Mongol

Tyrant” by

Frank Frazett

a

“Mongol

Tyrant” by

Frank Frazett

a

The Golden HordeThe Golden Horde

The grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu Khan, led Mongol armies into Russia and other eastern European territories between 1236 and 1241.

Known as the Golden Horde, they ruled this region for 240 years.

While fierce, often brutal warriors, they were tolerant rulers.

Absolute rule of the Mongols influenced later Russian rulers.

Mongol rule isolated Russia from advancements in art & science of the Renaissance.

TamerlaneTamerlane

In the late 1300’s, Timur, or Tamerlame, led Mongol armies to conquer areas of Persia, Mesopotamia, Russia & India.

His descendants later established the Mughal Empire in India.

Timurid DynastyTimurid Dynasty

Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368

Yuan Dynasty 1279-1368

Kublai Khan [r. 1260-1294] Pax Mongolica [“Mongol

Peace”] Tolerated Chinese culture

but lived apart from them Grandson of Genghis Khan No Chinese in top govt. posts Believed foreigners were

moretrustworthy.

Encouraged foreign trade & foreign merchants to live and work in China.

Marco Polo 1254-1324

Marco Polo 1254-1324

A Venetian merchant Traveled through

YuanChina: 1271-1295

Sent on many diplomatic missions throughout Kublai’s empire.

Served as governor in China for 3 years

Wrote many novels documenting his travels

Marco Polo’s Travels

Marco Polo’s Travels

Yuan Golden Bowl, 13 c

Yuan Golden Bowl, 13 c

Yuan Porcelains & Ceramics

Yuan Porcelains & Ceramics

Yuan Dynasty, 1279-1368

Yuan Dynasty, 1279-1368

Established 150 years of peace and prosperity.

Mongols returned safety to the Silk Road, expanding its use.

Sent fleets against Japan. 1281 150,000 warriors Defeated by kamikazi [“winds of the

gods”] Kublai Khan experienced several

humiliating defeats in Southeast Asia late in his life.

Decline of the MongolsDecline of the Mongols

Lands were too diverse and spread out

The death of top leaders led to a void of competent leadership

Widespread resentment of Mongol rule

Had little experience running government Often those chosen were corrupt or

incompetent

China’s last native imperial dynasty!

The Ming DynastyThe Ming Dynasty

In 1368, after 90 years of Mongol rule, China reestablished imperial rule under the Ming dynasty.

Ming rule was established under Zhu Yuanzhang, who had rebelled against foreign rule.

He restored the civil service system, restore Confucian values and established a board of censors to eliminate government corruption.

Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644

Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644

Golden Age of Chinese ArtModerationSoftnessGracefulness

Landscape paintings, porcelain jars, silks, poetry, fiction, drama, music & dance flourished.

Hundreds of thousands ofworkers constructed theForbidden City.

The Forbidden City: China’s New CapitalThe Forbidden City: China’s New Capital

Ming Porcelain / Ceramics, 17c–18c

Ming Porcelain / Ceramics, 17c–18c

Ming Vases, 18cMing Vases, 18c

Ming Painting and Calligraphy, early 16c

Ming Painting and Calligraphy, early 16c

Ming Painting – “Birds and Flowers”, 16c

Ming Painting – “Birds and Flowers”, 16c

Ming Cultural Revolution

Ming Cultural Revolution

Printing & Literacy Cheap, popular

books: woodblock printing. cheap paper.

Examination system.

Leads to explosion in literacy.

Leads to further popularization of the commercial market.

Culture & Art Increased literacy

leads to increased interest in cultural expressions, ideas, and things:

Literature. Painting. Ceramics. Opera.

Ming Silver MarketMing Silver Market

Triangle route: Philippines to China to Japan.

Silver floods Chinese Market: Reduces price of Chinese goods in

Europe Increases interest in Chinese culture &

ideas in Europe. Helps fund conquest of New World Encourages Europeans in conquest &

trade.

Admiral Zheng HeAdmiral Zheng He

Ming “Treasure Fleet” Each ship 400’ long & 160’

wide

1371-1435

Admiral Zheng HeAdmiral Zheng He

China’s “Columbus?”

1498 --> Da Gama reached Calcutta, China’s favorite port.

Admiral Zheng HeAdmiral Zheng He

Brought exotic animals back to the imperial zoo.

Brought little wealth, but was costly to maintain his fleets.

After his death, the rise in Confucian values stressed Chinese cultural supremacy, which limited further contact with foreign influences.

Imperial China’s Impact on History

Imperial China’s Impact on History

Removed religion from morality. Beginnings of political philosophy

through which a ruler must prove he/she is legitimate, which begins the end of the idea of the Mandate of Heaven.

Secular law. Valued history The Dynastic

Cycle Influenced Korea > Japan >

Southeast Asia