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The Trial of the Mongols
Directions: In the 13th century CE the Mongols created the largest connected land mass empire in the
history of the world. For centuries they have been remembered as a brutal tribe of nomadic barbarians
who were a serious threat to people and civilizations throughout Asia and Europe. But is there more to
the story? The Mongols are on trial for crimes against humanity. It is your job to decide if they are guilty
of being blood thirsty murderers, or if they were just adapting to their surroundings to survive. Do you
believe they harmed or helped the development of western civilization? Use the documents as evidence
to support your answer.
Historical Background: The Mongols were a nomadic people from the steppe lands of north
and central Asia who were united under one khan, Temujin (Genghis Khan), in the early 13th
century. The Mongols were very effective warriors on horseback and they utilized a variety of
tactics in conquering almost all of Eurasia (China, Central Asia, Persia (Iran), and Russia). Prior
to Mongol conquests, China was split into three kingdoms (with the Song being the most
powerful), the Abbasid Caliphate was a shell of its former greatness, and Russia was loosely
controlled by princes in various cities. There have been many names used to refer to the
Mongols: Mughal, Tartar, Mogul. Eventually, each khanate collapsed because of economic
problems and political infighting by the late 14th century.
1. What does this speech tell you about the values of the Mongols?
2. What is one strategy used by the Mongols that would allow them to be successful in battle?
3. Did the Khan want to convert to Christianity? What reason does Friar John of Monte Corvino
give for his decision?
4. How did the Mongols treat people of other religions?
5. How did the Chinese feel about the Yuan Dynasty and the Mongols?
6. Why do you think the Chinese would have felt this way?
7. How did the Muslims feel about the Mongols? Why?
8. Why would raising temples to Buddha and introducing paper money hurt the Islamic Empire?
9. What does Marco Polo think about the paper money used by the Yan Dynasty?
10. Why do you think this is so different from what the Arab’s thought of it?
11. As the Mongol Empire grew, cultural diffusion occurred. What Chinese inventions were able to
spread to the west due to the cultural diffusion which occurred under the Mongol Dynasty?
12. When the Mongols invaded another civilization, what would they do to the people there?
Document 8
Anonymous eyewitness account, translated by Urgunge Onon, 1993.
That summer Chinggis Khan pitched his camp on the Snowy mountain. He sent soldiers out
against those of the Tangqut people who had rebelled against him…. The whole tribe was completely
wiped out. Then he showed favour to Bo'orchy and Mugali, saying: "Take what you want, until you
can carry no more…. Make their fine sons follow behind you, holding your falcons. Bring up their
daughters to arrange your wives' skirts."
13. What did the Mongols do after conquering another civilization?
Document 9
14. Above is a map of the Mongol Empire at its greatest extent. Were the Mongols successful
warriors? Explain your answer.
The question: Based on the evidence you have read, how would you judge the Mongols? Do you believe
they were blood thirsty barbarians who set western civilization back thousands of years, or do you
believe they were more civilized than they are given credit? Explain your answer.