The Mongols• Known as nomadic, fierce

warriors, expert horsemen• From the steppe in Asia (dry,

grassy region)• Lived in kinship groups called

clans• Around 1200, leader named

Temujin (Genghis Khan) united Mongols under his leadership.

• Campaign of terror across Central Asia, destroying cities and slaughtering people

Genghis Khan

• Title means “universal ruler”• Brilliant organizer and warrior• Used cruelty and fear as weapons• Died in 1227, but his successors continued to

expand empire

Great Khans of the Mongol Empire (1206-1294)

• 1206-1227 Chingis / Genghis Khan• 1229-1241 Ogedei Khan (Khakhan) - Son of Chingis• 1246-1248 Guyuk Khan (Khakhan) - Son of Ogedei• 1251-1259 Mongke / Mengku Khan (Khakhan) - Cousin of Ogedei

After the death of Mongke, in 1260, two Khakhans were elected by rivaling Khuriltais (assemblies): Ariq-Boke (brother of Kubiliai), who ruled from Karakorum, and Kubilai, who ruled from China. Kubilai defeated Ariq-Boke in 1264 to secure sole leadership.

1264-1294 Kubilai Khan (Khakhan) - Brother of Kubilai (start of YUAN Dynasty)No ruler was elected after Kubilai

• Khakhan ("Khan of Khans"): Title used by Khans of the greatest steppe Empires, including the Mongol Empire. This title was officially used by all Khans of the Mongol Empire except for Chingis Khan.

Regents (Temporary rulers) during the election interludes• 1227-1229• Tolui - Son of Chingis, Father of Kubilai and Mongke• 1241-1246• Toregene Khatun - Wife of Ogedei, mother of Guyuk• 1248-1251• Oghul Ghaymish

The Mongol Empire

4 regions or khanates– Mongolia and China– Central Asia– Persia– Russia

Kublai Khan• Grandson of Genghis Khan, took power in 1260• Founded the Yuan Dynasty• United China for first time in 300 years• Opened China to foreign contacts and trade• Tolerated Chinese culture and government• Lived luxurious life of Chinese emperor• Failed to conquer Japan• Restored the Grand Canal, built paved highway• Encouraged trade

The End of Mongol rule

• Succession crisis after death of Kublai Khan

• Many rebellions in 1300’s

• Chinese overthrew Mongols in 1368

• Other Khanates declined, except for Russia

Pax Mongolia and Trade

1.Period of political stability for the Mongol.

2.Safe passage throughout the silk road= trade flourished

3.Marco Polo’s visit to Yuan Dynasty; writing inspired travelers and promoted greater interest in China.

Mongol rulers “. . . ordered construction of roads and BRIDGES, and extended the Grand Canal in China set up post offices/trading posts protected merchants, gave them a higher status and set up merchant associations allowed an “exchange of food, tools, goods, and ideas [that] was unprecedented.”

Religious & Cultural Tolerance Mongol rulers offered tax benefits to all religious leaders Muslims were brought to China to help with administration & Christians & Jews worked in other posts of the Mongol governments There was some cultural exchange (& some religious conversion)

6. Resentment of Mongol rule in China and Russia

Legacy:1. Military ingenuity2. “Horde” –ruthlessness 3. Russian Nationalism4. Peace and stability – rise of

merchant class5. Religious tolerance6. Post office-Communication7. Yuan Dynasty

Pax Mongolia

Ruled by Ghengis Khan Increased trade w/ Europe Mongol Empire along the Silk Road

Adapted to difficult geographic features