Analyze at the characteristics of the Mongolian culture. What would YOU do? How would you…

◦Survive?◦Find food?◦Care for your family?◦Defend yourself?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_J3HDSZAa8

The Mongols a nomadic people from the steppe, conquered settled societies across much of Asia-They built the largest unified land empire in the history of the world

Mongolia had a large land empire

China lays to the southeast, Russia to the west

Located on the Asian Steppe (dry, grass covered plain)

Non-arable land, very dry, extreme temperature change

Nomadic: constantly on the move.

Pastoralists: herd domesticated animals

Traveled in clans

Live on horseback; depend on animals for food, clothing and housing

Constant battles to defend land

Usually peaceful trade between nomads and settled people

Sometimes tempted by land and wealth of settled people; raids were common

Strong empires could defend themselves (China built the Great Wall)

Weaker states in danger of becoming conquered

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlWZZSD4irM

Horses and the stirrup◦Mongols were excellent horsemen;

stirrups major advantage in battle

Bow and arrows

Genghis Khan united Mongols for the purpose of conquest

Conquered China, Islamic regions, Russia

Very violent, ruthless warriors

He is a brilliant organizer

Gifted strategist

Adopted new weapons and technology

Used cruelty as a weapon

Mongols create law and order in Eurasia

Under Mongol rule, trade and travel on Silk road become safer (cultural diffusion)◦ Pax Mongolia (peace in Mongolia)

Increase trade between Europe and Asia

Ideas, invention (gunpowder) and black plague travel along trade route

Occupied and isolated Russia for 200 years

Demanded obedience and tribute

Helped reunite Russia and gave rise to the city of Moscow

Massive size made it difficult to rule

Lose power to local leaders

By 1300 divided into smaller states

How does your ‘culture’ compared to the Mongol culture?

List some similarities and differences.

Would YOU have survived?