in the video "Mongol empire shocking cultural impact!" what was the most significant are of influence the Mongol Empire had on the world, and why? (Be sure to include influence during the Mongol Empire time period, as well as in the modern/current time period.)

1 answer

In the video "Mongol Empire: Shocking Cultural Impact!" one of the most significant areas of influence the Mongol Empire had on the world is its role in facilitating trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia. This impact can be seen both during the Mongol Empire's time period (13th-14th centuries) and in the modern era.

Influence During the Mongol Empire

  1. Silk Road Revitalization: The Mongol Empire played a crucial role in revitalizing the Silk Road trade routes. By uniting vast territories under a relatively stable political framework, the Mongols provided security that encouraged trade between East and West. The Pax Mongolica, a period of relative peace and stability across the empire, allowed merchants to travel without fear of banditry. This increased the flow of goods, ideas, and technologies.

  2. Cultural Exchange: The Mongol Empire fostered cultural interactions among diverse peoples. This included the spread of innovations in governance, military tactics, and even artistic styles. The Mongols themselves adopted and adapted various aspects of the cultures they conquered, which led to a cross-pollination of ideas that enriched the civilizations across Asia and Europe.

  3. Spread of Knowledge: The Mongols facilitated the dissemination of knowledge, including various scientific and scholarly works. For example, the works of Persian scholars on astronomy and medicine found their way to Europe, paving the way for advancements in those fields. The Mongol Empire also encouraged the use of a written script, notably the Uighur script, which influenced other languages.

Influence in Modern Times

  1. Global Trade Networks: The legacy of the Mongol Empire’s promotion of trade can still be seen today in the globalized economy. The idea of interconnected trade routes began with the Mongols and has evolved into modern economic practices. The Silk Road, though no longer the primary trade route, laid the groundwork for international trade relations that have only expanded in complexity and scale.

  2. Cultural Syncretism: The blending of cultures that began during the Mongol Empire’s expansion continues to influence societies today. Cities along historic trade routes have remained centers of cultural exchange, and the mingling of different traditions, languages, and practices is evident in various aspects of modern life.

  3. Diplomacy and Relations: The Mongol method of maintaining diplomatic relations and treaties can also be seen in modern international relations. Their focus on trade, open communication, and cultural exchange has influenced contemporary diplomatic strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and dialogue among nations.

In summary, the Mongol Empire's significant cultural impact lies chiefly in its facilitation of trade and cultural exchange, which reshaped the socio-economic landscape of the time and laid foundations that still resonate in today's globalized world.