Mongols & Marco Mongols & Marco PoloPolo

Mongols & Marco Mongols & Marco PoloPolo

Chapter 12Chapter 12

I. Mongol Conquest• Mongols were able to create the

largest empire in world history • Empire was larger than the land

conquered by Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and Hitler combined

A. Nomadic Way of Life• Pastoralists – Herded domesticated

animals• Mongols were always on the move in

search of good pastures• Became expert horse riders• Were able to ride up to 120 miles a day• Drank blood from their horse’s neck

when food was scarce

Modern Day Nomads in Mongolia

B. Mongol Society

•Clans – Group of people who traveled together and claimed a common ancestor

•Clans were constantly fighting one another

C. Mongols are United

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

D. Genghis the Conqueror

• 1) Great Organizer– Followed Chinese military strategies

• 2) Gifted Strategist – Mongols were able to out smart and

overpower their enemies– Mongols sent small groups to attack large

enemies and then retreat– When the enemy gave chase the entire

Mongol army appeared and crushed them

• 3) Used cruelty as a weapon – Most cities surrendered to the

Mongols without a fight– Cities that refused to surrender

would be slaughtered and burnt to the ground

E. Mongol Empire•1227 – Genghis Khan dies•His successors are able to create an empire stretching from China to Poland

Mongol Empire

F. Mongol Peace

• During times of peace the Mongols were quite tolerant

• Pax Mongolica – Mongol peace that lasted from 1240-1360

• Mongols guaranteed safe passage for traders and missionaries

• Silk Road – Famous trade route from the Orient to Europe

Silk Road