While Europe was in the Middle Ages

(500-1350) practicing feudalism, fighting the Crusades and dying during the Black Death

other places were experiencing very different things! For example, the religion of Islam was

spreading rapidly in North Africa and the Middle East. In Asia, the world’s largest

empire was forming and thriving! That is the focus of Unit 6…to study the Mongol Empire.

How are we going to study the Mongols?

1. Begin by reading some background information about the Mongols and the empire that they created (this will help to set the scene).

2. Understand where the Mongols were in the world by completing a map of the Mongol Empire.

3. With the DBQ (Document Based Question) process, we will decide “How Barbaric Were the ‘Barbarians’”? using primary and secondary sources. One you’ve critically examined the 14 sources, you will use them to formulate an answer to the question…thus creating your thesis statement.

4. Lastly we will have a 45mn DEBATE against each other (two teams)!

Document Based Question:

The Mongols: How Barbaric Were the “Barbarians”?

When the Greeks started using the term “barbaros” 2,500 years ago it simply meant foreigner or stranger. Now it is a much harsher term. When applied to an entire people or civilization, the word “barbaric” inevitably leads to stereotypes. For the last 800 years,

historians and others have labeled the Mongols of the 13th and 14th century as Barbarian. This DBQ asks you to question the

stereotype.

DIRECTIONS: When you hear the word “barbaric” what images or words come to mind? With a partner of your choice, list at least 10 of them in your notebook. Be ready to share with the class!

Now let’s pool these attributes with others suggested by your

classmates.

The objective is to create a working list of attributes that can be added to, combined, and subtracted from as you get into the DBQ. In the end it will be very helpful to have five or six key attributes which you can judge

the Mongols of the 13th and 14th century.