A.The Mongols were nomads from the eastern steppe (fields) in loosely organized clans.
Around 1200, a clan leader named Temujin defeated rival clan leaders to unify the Mongols
B.In 1206, he accepted the title Genghis Khan, or “universal ruler.”
According to legend, Temujin was born with a blood clot in his fist. In his lifetime, his hands were covered with the blood of others. When Temujin was about nine, the Tatars, a rival clan, poisoned his father. When in manhood, he fought and defeated the Tatars, slaughtering every male taller than a cart axel.
Mongols were skilled horsemen
B.Weapons
1. bows, swords, javelins, hooked lances, canons (new technology used to defeat the Chinese)
C. Strategy-
1. Mock retreats tricked the enemy
2. Flag signals
3. Terrified enemies into surrender
If a city refused to open its gates to him, he might kill the entire population upon capture
Fake Retreat
Mongol armies developed a system of signal flags used during battle. The black and white flags transmitted orders to Mongol units who moved swiftly while confusing and overwhelming their disorganized opponents. At night, lanterns and flaming arrows were used in place of flags.
D. Many areas invaded by the Mongols never recovered; their populations were wiped out.
E. The Mongols also destroyed ancient irrigation systems, so the land could not resettle.
Each Mongol soldier wore a long silk undershirt. When hit with an arrow, he could remove it by carefully pulling on the silk, which usually entered the wound with the arrow. Upon witnessing Mongols pulling arrows from their bodies, some became convinced that the Mongols were superhuman!
Mongol soldiers often died of infection from battle wounds caused, in part, to poor hygiene. Mongol warriors rarely washed. When they did, they used urine from their horses. Their clothing was often worn until it literally rotted off.
IV. Vast Empire
A.Genghis conquered Central Asia by 1225.
B.The Mongols continued to conquer Asia.
Mongolia and China
Central Asia
Russia
Persia
C. By 1260, the Mongols had divided their huge empire into four regions, or khanates.
A descendant of Genghis ruled each khanate.
D. While ferocious in war, Mongols were tolerant rulers.
Mongol Peace
B.The Mongols provided stability and order across Eurasia.
C.Traders and travelers enjoyed safety along the Silk Road.
A.Trade between Europe and Asia skyrocketed but disease, like the plague, also spread
A.Genghiz Khan’s grandson.
B. He founded the Yuan dynasty in China
C.The Chinese resented him for reserving gov’t jobs for Mongols.
United China for the first time in over 300 years.
Kublai’s Impact on China
Opened Asia to greater trade on the Silk Road.
Tolerated Chinese culture and made few changes to system of government.
Built a new capital in China (Khanbalik), a sign that Kublai was emperor of China.
The walls were covered with gold and silver and the Dining Hall was so large that it could easily dine 6,000 people. The palace was made of cane supported by 200 silk cords, which could be taken to pieces and transported easily when the Emperor moved. There too, the Khan kept a stud of 10,000 white horses, whose milk was reserved for his family and for a tribe which had won a victory for Genghis Khan D. Marco Polo, an Italian merchant, stayed in Kublai’s court for 17 years. He sparked interest in more trade with Asia when he returned to Europe. .Lands were too large and diverse to govern effectively. After the death of the Khans, the Mongols got pushed back behind the Great Wall. The Russians resented the Mongols for centuries of isolation
The Mongol Empire Carousel Student Handout
Directions: As you move to each station with your group, read or examine the information and images at each station and answer the corresponding questions on this handout. You may work together with your group, but everyone needs to turn in their own handout. Also, DO NOT COPY DIRECTLY FROM WHAT YOU READ! SUMMARIZE AND PUT YOUR ANSWERS INTO YOUR OWN WORDS!
STATION A 1. List modern names of the countries which were included in the Mongol
Empire at the end of the 13th century.
2. What difficulties might an army of nomadic people face in creating this empire?
STATION B 1. List 4 advantages horses gave the Mongols as they sought to expand their
empire. -
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2. Describe the other uses the Mongols had for their horses, according to Marco Polo.
STATION C 1. How does the Battle of the Kalka River illustrate Mongol battle tactics?
2. Describe the weapons carried by the soldiers in the heavy cavalry.
3. What do you think would be the major difficulty for the riders?
STATION D 1. Describe Mongolian society and way of life.
2. How might the culture of the Mongols contribute to their military success?
STATION E List 3 steps Genghis Khan tool to organize his society for success.
1.
2.
3.
STATION F 1. Why was the bow the most important weapon for the Mongols?
2. How was the Mongol army a “modern” army compared to other armies from that time period?
STATION G 1. Describe Genghis Khan’s death.
2. Describe how Genghis Khan’s followers buried him.
3. What does his funeral tell you about him as a leader?
1 answer
The Mongol Empire Carousel: Student Handout
STATION A
List modern names of the countries which were included in the Mongol Empire at the end of the 13th century.
Mongolia
China
Russia
Kazakhstan
Iran
Afghanistan
Parts of Eastern Europe (including Ukraine and Hungary)
Parts of the Middle East
What difficulties might an army of nomadic people face in creating this empire?
Lack of permanent infrastructure for supply and communication.
Difficulty in maintaining control over settled populations.
Limited resources for long-term warfare due to their nomadic lifestyle.
Challenges in coordinating logistics over large territories.
STATION B
List 4 advantages horses gave the Mongols as they sought to expand their empire.
Superior mobility on the battlefield.
Ability to cover vast distances quickly for surprise attacks.
Enhanced communication through mounted couriers.
Increased ability to herd and manage livestock for sustenance.
Describe the other uses the Mongols had for their horses, according to Marco Polo.
Horses were used for transportation and carrying goods.
They provided milk, which was a crucial part of the Mongol diet.
Horses served as a status symbol and were often given as gifts.
Horseback archery allowed for a more versatile combat technique.
STATION C
How does the Battle of the Kalka River illustrate Mongol battle tactics?
The Mongols employed deceptive tactics, including fake retreats, which lured enemies into vulnerable positions.
They utilized coordinated signals and maneuvers to confuse and overwhelm the opposing forces.
Describe the weapons carried by the soldiers in the heavy cavalry.
Longbows for ranged attacks.
Swords for close combat.
Javelins for throwing.
Hooked lances for charging.
What do you think would be the major difficulty for the riders?
Maintaining balance and control while performing complex maneuvers.
Endurance in combat, as they were often on horseback for long periods.
Handling injuries sustained in battle while continuing to fight.
STATION D
Describe Mongolian society and way of life.
Mongolian society was organized in clans and was primarily nomadic with a focus on herding livestock.
They lived in yurts made of felt and had a culture that revolved around horsemanship, warfare, and trade.
How might the culture of the Mongols contribute to their military success?
Their nomadic lifestyle made them adaptable and skilled at guerrilla warfare.
The emphasis on horseback riding created exceptional riders and archers.
A strong sense of loyalty to their clans focused their efforts during campaigns.
STATION E
List 3 steps Genghis Khan took to organize his society for success.
Established a systematic military organization with clear ranks and responsibilities.
Promoted individuals based on merit rather than tribal affiliation, fostering loyalty.
Implemented communication systems, such as signal flags, to coordinate troops effectively.
STATION F
Why was the bow the most important weapon for the Mongols?
The bow allowed for effective long-range attacks, enhancing their combat effectiveness from horseback.
Mongol archers were trained from a young age, making them exceptionally skilled.
How was the Mongol army a “modern” army compared to other armies from that time period?
They employed advanced military strategies, such as deception and coordinated movements.
Utilized efficient communication via signal flags and messengers.
Adapted quickly to new technologies, such as gunpowder weapons.
STATION G
Describe Genghis Khan’s death.
Genghis Khan died during a campaign in China, with the exact circumstances remaining somewhat mysterious.
Describe how Genghis Khan’s followers buried him.
His burial site was kept secret, and it is said that the soldiers who buried him killed anyone they encountered afterward to keep the location hidden.
What does his funeral tell you about him as a leader?
It highlights the loyalty and dedication of his followers.
The secrecy surrounding his burial indicates his significant impact and the reverence with which he was regarded.
