The Mongols (“Punishment of God”)

Who were the Mongols?

A nomadic people from East Asia, mainly Mongolia and northern China.

What helped the Mongols build a huge empire?

Fast movement, strong warfare, political alliances, and tolerance of different cultures.

What is the steppe?

A large grassland with few trees.

What is nomadism?

A lifestyle where people move from place to place rather than settling permanently.

What were Mongols around 1100 like?

Mobile herders who relied on animals like sheep, goats, camels, and horses.

Which groups lived near the Mongols?

Tatars to the east, Turks to the west.

Who did the Mongols claim as ancestors?

The Huns.

What skills did women of the steppe have?

They could ride horses and shoot bows as well as men.

Who was Temujin?

Born in 1162; later became Chinggis (Genghis) Khan.

Who was Jamuka?

Temujin’s blood brother and later rival.

What happened in 1206?

Temujin held a council (Khuriltai) and became Chinggis Khan.

What does “Chinggis Khan” mean?

“The strong Khan.”

What were some laws created by Chinggis Khan?

No kidnapping women, all children are legitimate, no enslaving Mongols.

What did Chinggis Khan allow in his empire?

Complete religious freedom.

What did Chinggis Khan create for writing?

A new Mongol script.

What was the Mongol military like?

All healthy Mongols served on horseback (cavalry).

What roles did conquered peoples have in the Mongol army?

Infantry (foot soldiers) and artillery (weapons crews).

What is a trebuchet?

A catapult-like weapon used to throw heavy objects.

What major areas did the Mongols conquer early?

• 1211–1214: Jurchen dynasty in northern China

• 1219: Khwarazm

• Early 1200s: Most of Central Asia

What is “rule through difference”?

Letting conquered peoples keep their customs and leaders as long as they stay loyal.

What is the “Mongol Yoke”?

A term used by later historians to describe Mongol rule as harmful or limiting.

Who became Khan after Chinggis?

His third son, Ogedei, in 1230.

What was Karakorum?

The capital city Ogedei built.

What is the Mandate of Heaven?

A belief in China that Heaven chooses the rightful ruler. Mongol success was taken as proof they had it.

What caused Mongol fragmentation?

Deaths of Ogedei and later Mongke, leading to division.