Mongols & Marco Polo
Chapter 12
I. Mongol Conquest
• Mongols were able to create the
largest empire in world history
• Empire was larger than the land
conquered by Alexander the
Great, Napoleon, and Hitler
combined
A. Nomadic Way of Life
• Pastoralists – Herded domesticated
animals
• Mongols were always on the move in search
of good pastures
• Became expert horse riders
• Were able to ride up to 120 miles a day
• Drank blood from their horse’s neck when
food was scarce
Modern Day Nomads in
Mongolia
B. Mongol Society
• Clans – Group of people who
traveled together and claimed
a common ancestor
• Clans were constantly fighting
one another
C. Mongols are United
• Genghis Khan
– Political and
military genius
who united the
Mongol people
D. Genghis the Conqueror
• 1) Great Organizer
– Followed Chinese military strategies
• 2) Gifted Strategist
– Mongols were able to out smart and overpower
their enemies
– Mongols sent small groups to attack large
enemies and then retreat
– When the enemy gave chase the entire Mongol
army appeared and crushed them
• 3) Used cruelty as a weapon
– Most cities surrendered to the
Mongols without a fight
– Cities that refused to surrender
would be slaughtered and burnt to
the ground
E. Mongol Empire
• 1227 – Genghis Khan dies
• His successors are able to
create an empire
stretching from China to
Poland
Mongol Empire
F. Mongol Peace
• During times of peace the Mongols
were quite tolerant
• Pax Mongolica – Mongol peace that
lasted from 1240-1360
• Mongols guaranteed safe passage for
traders and missionaries
• Silk Road – Famous trade route from the
Orient to Europe
Silk Road