Transcript The Mongol Empire

The Mongols
• Known as nomadic, fierce
warriors, expert horsemen
• From the steppe in Asia (dry,
grassy region)
• Lived in kinship groups called
clans
• Around 1200, leader named
Temujin (Genghis Khan) united
Mongols under his leadership.
• Campaign of terror across Central
Asia, destroying cities and
slaughtering people
Genghis Khan
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Title means “universal ruler”
Brilliant organizer and warrior
Used cruelty and fear as weapons
Died in 1227, but his successors continued to
expand empire
Great Khans of the Mongol Empire (1206-1294)
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1206-1227
1229-1241
1246-1248
1251-1259
Chingis / Genghis Khan
Ogedei Khan (Khakhan) - Son of Chingis
Guyuk Khan (Khakhan) - Son of Ogedei
Mongke / Mengku Khan (Khakhan) - Cousin of Ogedei
After the death of Mongke, in 1260, two Khakhans were elected by rivaling Khuriltais
(assemblies): Ariq-Boke (brother of Kubiliai), who ruled from Karakorum, and Kubilai, who
ruled from China. Kubilai defeated Ariq-Boke in 1264 to secure sole leadership.
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1264-1294 Kubilai Khan (Khakhan) - Brother of Kubilai (start of YUAN Dynasty)
No ruler was elected after Kubilai
Khakhan ("Khan of Khans"): Title used by Khans of the greatest steppe Empires, including the
Mongol Empire. This title was officially used by all Khans of the Mongol Empire except for
Chingis Khan.
Regents (Temporary rulers) during the election interludes
1227-1229
Tolui - Son of Chingis, Father of Kubilai and Mongke
1241-1246
Toregene Khatun - Wife of Ogedei, mother of Guyuk
1248-1251
Oghul Ghaymish
The Mongol Empire
4 regions or khanates
– Mongolia and China
– Central Asia
– Persia
– Russia
Kublai Khan
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Grandson of Genghis Khan, took power in 1260
Founded the Yuan Dynasty
United China for first time in 300 years
Opened China to foreign contacts and trade
Tolerated Chinese culture and government
Lived luxurious life of Chinese emperor
Failed to conquer Japan
Restored the Grand Canal, built paved highway
Encouraged trade
The End of Mongol rule
• Succession crisis after
death of Kublai Khan
• Many rebellions in
1300’s
• Chinese overthrew
Mongols in 1368
• Other Khanates declined,
except for Russia
Pax Mongolia and
Trade
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Period of political stability for
the Mongol.
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Safe passage throughout the
silk road= trade flourished
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Marco Polo’s visit to Yuan
Dynasty; writing inspired
travelers and promoted greater
interest in China.
Mongol rulers “. . . ordered construction of roads and BRIDGES, and
extended the Grand Canal in China set up post offices/trading posts
protected merchants, gave them a higher status and set up merchant
associations allowed an “exchange of food, tools, goods, and ideas [that]
was unprecedented.”
Religious & Cultural Tolerance
Mongol rulers offered tax benefits to all religious leaders Muslims were
brought to China to help with administration & Christians & Jews worked
in other posts of the Mongol governments There was some cultural
exchange (& some religious conversion)
6. Resentment of Mongol rule in China and Russia
Legacy:
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Military ingenuity
“Horde” –ruthlessness
Russian Nationalism
Peace and stability – rise of
merchant class
5. Religious tolerance
6. Post office-Communication
7. Yuan Dynasty
Pax Mongolia
Ruled by Ghengis Khan
Mongol Empire
Increased trade w/ Europe
along the Silk Road
Adapted to difficult geographic features