Before the Mongols began to attack Eurasian civilizations in the 1200s, China, Russia, and Persia had developed advanced societies. The Mongols desired power and wealth, and wanted to advance their society. They sometimes attempted to achieve this power and wealth using brutality, but they were not as barbaric as some historians would conclude. There were many positive aspects of their actions. The Mongols were a civilized society because they had an organized military form of warfare, they incorporated early forms of writing, communication, and religious tolerance, and they had key trading partners throughout the region which allowed international trade to safely develop. Although the Mongols were known for their violence, they were very orderly and goal-oriented in their style of military warfare. For example, History of the Mongols by Carpini stated, “Genghis Khan ordained that the army should be organized in such a way that over ten men should beset one man and he is what we call a captain of ten...” Another example of their organized army and ingenious battle tactics was the first-hand account that stated, “When … they are going to join in battle, they draw all the battle lines just as they are (about) to fight” (History of the Mongols). Both of these documents represent the structure and order beneath the extreme violence the Mongols were known for. Just because they used uncommon battle tactics, it did not mean they were barbaric.The Mongols had clever leaders who knew what their goal was, and they worked to accomplish it together. Other key aspects of civilization were the presence of a writing and communication system, and religious tolerance. Even though writing was not common among the Mongols, it was used sparingly, an... ... middle of paper ... ...the continent. This document can be considered reliable because it is a map compiled from several, corroborating sources.There is no bias in the map of the Mongol Empire, yet it is evidence of the vast territory that the Mongols secured. The Mongols were civilized because they were orderly and structured in their military system, they had some early forms of communication and religious organization, and they were expert traders who provided security for international trade to flourish. Their leaders were faced with many difficult decisions in the thirteenth century, and their methods were erroneously called barbaric. Mongols were seen as barbaric by other groups because of their unique, violent way of life. However, inside of their culture, it is easy to see that they were actually quite civil.They incorporated some of the most clever tactics that had ever been used.
The people that the Mongol Empire overthrew were the only ones to suffer under Genghis Khan’s homicidal ways. Khan’s army was forcibly traumatized under maniacal methods as well: “Genghis Khan ordained that the army should be organized in such a way that over ten men should beset one man and he is what we call a captain of ten. [...] When they are in battle, if one or two or even more out of a group of ten run away, all are put to death; and if a whole group of ten flees, the rest of the group of a hundred are all put to death, if they do not flee too. [...] Likewise if one or two or more go forward boldly to the fight, then the rest of the ten are put to death if they do not follow and, if one or more of the ten are captured, their companions are put to death if they do not rescue them.” (doc B) Every group of ten was expected to perform at a homog...
The Mongols, or as the Western Europeans called them, the Tartars, were a nomadic, militant people that dominated the battlefield during the pre-industrial time period (“Tartars” 7). Over the span of the 13th century, from the Central Asian steppes in the east to the Arabian lands to the west, the Tartars subdued the unfortunate inhabitants and expanded their empire vastly. To the fear and dismay of the Western Europeans, the Tartars desired to triumph over all of Eurasia; therefore, the Western Europeans were to be conquered next. News of the imminent Tartarian attack rapidly spread through West Europe like a wildfire, and the powerful Holy Roman Church contended to prepare a strategy against the onslaught. In the year 1245, Pope Innocent IV, the head of the Church at the time, sent a group of Friars led by Giovanni da Pian del Carpini to gather some knowledge about the Tartars. It was a dreaded mission, one that would probably end in a terrible death, since the Tartars were a cruel people towards outsiders. Nevertheless, Carpini valiantly ventured into the unknown darkness, and returned to his homeland with valuable information about the Tartars. Through the insight he gained during his travels, he wrote his account of the Tartars in a report called the “Historia Mongalorum” (“Tartars” 19), which is known today as “The Story of the Mongols Whom We Call the Tartars”.
One of the Mongolian impacts lead to the diffusion of culture and technology, which could not have been possible without the innovative, intelligent, and unique fighting styles the Mongols used to dominate. The Mongols are commonly stereotyped as brutal and ruthless, however this amount of hegemony and destruction allowed the Mongolian Empire to successfully distribute goods to the places they conquered, which was highly impactful considering that the Mongolian Empire is...
When the word “Mongol” is said I automatically think negative thoughts about uncultured, barbaric people who are horribly cruel and violent. That is only because I have only heard the word used to describe such a person. I have never really registered any initial information I have been taught about the subject pass the point of needing and having to know it. I felt quite incompetent on the subject and once I was given an assignment on the book, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern Age, I was very perplexed for two reasons. One I have to read an outside book for a class that already requires a substantial amount of time reading the text, and secondly I have to write a research paper in History. I got over it and read the book, which surprisingly enough interested me a great deal and allow me to see the Moguls for more than just a barbaric group of Neanderthals, but rather a group of purpose driven warriors with a common goal of unity and progression. Jack Weatherford’s work has given me insight on and swayed my opinion of the Mongols.
The Mongols were an influential group of people. They’re rule reached the far reaches of the globe even reaching places in Europe. The Mongol impact is clearly seen in the Persian and Chinese societies. Although it was the Mongols who took over both these societies, they still differed in many aspects.
In this book Weatherford presents an extremely biased view of the Mongols. He only talks about the wonderful things that the Mongols did, as well as their victories. His presentation only makes the Mongols sound immaculate. To other nations, he might sound as if he were terrifying, therefore making his immaculate picture a biased view.
The Mongol Empire was a very powerful which conquered more land in two years than the Romans did in 400 years. Also, they controlled more than eleven million square miles. The Mongols were very important because they created nations like Russia and Korea, smashed the feudal system and created international law, and created the first free trade zone. In the beginning of the Mongol Empire, they mostly lived in foothills bordering the Siberian forests mixing heroing and hunting. They also became really good at archery and riding horses. The main reason the Mongols came to be so powerful was all because of a man named Genghis Kahn. Genghis was born around 1162 with the name Temujin. Due to the death of his father, Temujin was left under the control of his older brothers. Soon enough, he was married to a woman named Borte. Borte was later kidnapped, in which Temujin proved his military skills when saving her. Not to long after this, Temujin became the leader of his tribe. Yet, to unite the Mongol confederations it required a civil war, which Temijun ended up winning. After proving his skills and loyalty, Temijun was declared the Gr...
The Mongols had the privilege and advantage above all other tribes that led to them to excel in their militancy; they had horses. Their ability to ride horses with efficiency and skill, made conquering less fortunate tribes and expanding the realms of their empire a task beyond simple. In the seventh grade text, a quote about the Mongolian expansion, by Ibn al Athir, is cited: " These Tatars [Mongols] conquered most of the habitable globe and the best, the most flourishing and most populous thereofŠin about a year." (Across the Centuries, p. 162) This quote is supported in the text by a statement regarding their excellence in horsemanship. "On horseback, the Mongols could advance up to 200 miles a day." (Across the Centuries, p.146) These examples clearly show how their being excellent horsemen was to their militant advantage when it came to conquering and expanding. Soldiers were able to travel with a sufficient amount of food and water, distributed among three of f...
In comparison to many battles between multiple civilizations in history, each side of the warfare or argument will have their foes. To tie this theory into the documents, the Mongols were recorded to have many foes. The enemies that they had were the populations that disagreed with them or abandoned [escaped] them. Throughout the documents and further reading of historical context, the Mongols were defined as brutal attackers that did not settle their disputes in a what could be considered “proper” manner. Although, my previous statement may be slightly accurate, the Mongols are also credited for having the largest empire known to man, successful power and military, and advancements in trade and conquest. The Mongol empire accomplished the conquest of a large territory in a short amount of time because they were productive in the creation of strategic propositions, adequate in execution, and brave in all aspects of warfare.
The Mongols were a fierce people who conquered many lands under the strong leadership of Genghis and Kublai Khan. From their origins in Asia to the growth of their empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe, their inspiration of Europe lasted for centuries. Both good and bad things came from them, but overall, their reign was for the betterment of European culture. The advancements Europe made within the 1200’s could not have been accomplished without the successes of the Mongol Empire.
Over the years there have been many great nomadic groups, such as the Vikings and the Kievan, but no nomadic group has been more successful than the Mongols. The Mongols have had many lasting influences on Russia, China, and even Europe. The Mongols have left a mark on the European trading systems in technologies as well as in their trading systems trade routes. One thing that stayed the same throughout Europe was their many religion.
The Mongol Empire was one of the most powerful and largest empire the world would see. Genghis Khan, the creator of the Mongol Empire had a clear view of how he wanted his empire to be. In history we can see that the creator of a new empire focus in establishing laws and a government that will protect its people as well as those who they conquered. Genghis Khan like many other ruler wanted a society in which the new generations would not suffer from the cruel traditions of their ancestors, as well to ensure that the Mongols would have a higher statues than the people they conquer, which many ruler did the same.
grew and lasted for about 108 years until they failed by trying to conquer India and were weak the Ming Dynasty overthrew the rulers. The Mongols were not afraid to kill. If one person refuses to do something for them their whole clan will pay, they would leave no survivors. That's what helped make them so successful, many had heard about their gruesome approach and surrendered and accepted submissions. The Mongolians of the Asian Steppe had a positive impact on the world during their rule of the Asian continent from 1206 to 1368 by influencing trade, warfare and uniting China.
When led by Genghis Khan the Mongols were the most feared nation at the time, and for good reason. Genghis Khan was able to unite all the different Mongol tribes, something unheard of at that time and use them as a united force to defeat anyone who dared oppose them. Whether the enemy hid in the city of confronted the Mongols the battles ended the same. No one could stop the genius military tactics of the Khan and his second in command, Subutai. Travelling was easy, light, and effective. They lived off of the land and their horses that provided them with milk. With unmatched hunting and fighting skills, led by those unmatched in tactical skills this army was one truly meant to be feared. This is why people view Genghis Khan and his reign as the greatest military conquest in history.
Kahn, P. (2005). Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan. USA: Cheng & Tsui