12.2 The Mongol 12.2 The Mongol ConquestsConquests

The Mongols, a nomadic The Mongols, a nomadic people from the steppe, people from the steppe, conquer settled societies conquer settled societies

across much of Asia.across much of Asia.

Nomads of the Asian SteppeNomads of the Asian Steppe

Geography of the SteppeGeography of the Steppe– Steppe—dry grassland of Eurasia—Steppe—dry grassland of Eurasia—

provides home for nomads.provides home for nomads.– Two main expanses: Central Asia to Two main expanses: Central Asia to

eastern Europe, and Mongolia.eastern Europe, and Mongolia.– Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal

temperature differences.temperature differences.

Visual 1 of Asian steppesVisual 1 of Asian steppes

The Nomadic Way of LifeThe Nomadic Way of Life– Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd

domesticated animals.domesticated animals.– Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be

skilled horse riders.skilled horse riders.– Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are

linked by a common ancestor.linked by a common ancestor.

Visual 2 nomadic tentsVisual 2 nomadic tents

Steppe Nomads and Settled SocietiesSteppe Nomads and Settled Societies– Nomads and people living in settled Nomads and people living in settled

communities often interact.communities often interact.– Some interactions are peaceful, as in Some interactions are peaceful, as in

trade.trade.– Sometimes nomads raid towns and Sometimes nomads raid towns and

cities to seize wealth and goods.cities to seize wealth and goods.– Strong state or empire could protect its Strong state or empire could protect its

lands from these invasions.lands from these invasions.

The Rise of the MongolsThe Rise of the Mongols

Genghis Khan Unites the MongolsGenghis Khan Unites the Mongols– About 1200, Genghis Khan—”universal About 1200, Genghis Khan—”universal

ruler”—unites Mongols.ruler”—unites Mongols.– In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of

conquest.conquest.– By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central

Asia.Asia.

Genghis the Genghis the ConquerorConqueror– A brilliant organizer A brilliant organizer

and strategist.and strategist.– Uses brutality to Uses brutality to

terrorize his terrorize his enemies and force enemies and force surrenders.surrenders.

The Mongol EmpireThe Mongol Empire

Death and SuccessionDeath and Succession– Genghis Khan dies in 1227.Genghis Khan dies in 1227.– Successors continue conquests for 50 Successors continue conquests for 50

years.years.– The Mongols conquer territory from The Mongols conquer territory from

China to Poland.China to Poland.

The KhanatesThe Khanates– In east, Mongols conquer northern China In east, Mongols conquer northern China

and invade Korea.and invade Korea.– In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten

Vienna and Venice.Vienna and Venice.– In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention to

Persia.Persia.– By 1260, Mongol Empire split into By 1260, Mongol Empire split into

khanates of four regions.khanates of four regions.

Khanate of the Great Khan (Mongolia & China)

Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia)

Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia)

Ilkhanate (Persia)

The Mongols as RulersThe Mongols as Rulers– Mongol rulers are tolerant of other Mongol rulers are tolerant of other

peoples and cultures.peoples and cultures.– Some Mongols adopt local ways, leading Some Mongols adopt local ways, leading

to a split among khanates.to a split among khanates. The Mongol PeaceThe Mongol Peace

– Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-1300s is called Pax Mongolica.1300s is called Pax Mongolica.

– There was much east-west trade and There was much east-west trade and exchange of ideas during this period.exchange of ideas during this period.