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Ch. 10: The Byzantine Empire and Russia

Benchmarks: Christian and Islamic influences; Interactions and exchanges; Mongols

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Byzantine Empire at its largest

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Byzantine ChristianityHagia Sophia Cathedral

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2 Christian Churches: Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox

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The Vienna Dioscorides, a medical textbook

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Conflicts in the Byzantine Empire

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“The Rise of Russia”

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Spread of Eastern Orthodox Christianity

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Russia Conquered by Mongols!

10

Geography of the Mongols

The Mongols were groups of nomads living on the Central Asian steppes. The key geographic feature of these high plains was grass. Where else in the world do we find high grasslands? What would life be like in this environment?

11

Ghenghiz KhanBorn Temujin, later named

Ghenghiz Khan, he united warring tribes of nomads across Central Asia. The story of his childhood is amazing. His armies were known for strict military discipline, brilliant military tactics and superb horsemanship. He inspired fierce loyalty from his troops. Wherever he attacked, he would make use of what he learned about new weapons and other technologies.

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How did the Mongols conquer other peoples?

• At first, they used terror. They would loot and burn cities, kill the rulers, and enslave the conquered people.

• Next, they exacted tribute on a regular basis.

• Sometimes, they set up a government and personally ruled the new territory.

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Mongol Military Technologies

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More examples of Mongol armies

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The Mongol Empire

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Characteristics of Mongol Rule

• After conquest, Mongols were fairly tolerant of other cultures. In fact, they respected scholars and the arts and sciences. They were eager to learn about other religions and philosophies.

• Mongol power created large regions where the “peace” allowed trade and culture to advance

17

The Golden Horde: Mongols in Russia

In 1236, Batu, Genghiz Khan’s grandson, invaded Russia. Mongols ruled Russia by collecting tribute from Russian princes. The princes in turn collected high taxes from the people.

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The Siege of Kiev

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Mongols in Hungary

• 1241: Mongols overran Hungary in central Europe, making Western Europeans fearful that they were next. However, the Mongols had to withdraw from Europe to settle a dispute over leadership in their Central Asia homeland.

Graveyard of the Hungarian knights who died trying to protect their homeland.