Lecture Wk 9: Pastoralism

What is pastoralism?

A lifestyle centered on the domestication and herding of animals, with mobility as a key characteristic.

Where are some regions that pastoralism is practiced?

Central Asia (Mongolia), Northern Europe (Sami in Finland), Africa (Maasai), and the Great Plains (USA).

Which animals are typically used in pastoralist societies?

Sheep, goats, camels, yaks, horses, and reindeer.

What is transhumance?

A seasonal migration practice between summer and winter encampments, often used by alpine pastoralists.

Name two important Mongol leaders mentioned in the lecture.

Genghis Khan and Kublai Khan.

What role did pastoralists play in trade networks?

They facilitated trade along the Silk Road, connecting China with Europe.

Why were pastoralist societies militarily formidable?

They relied on horses for mobility and could unite into powerful raiding confederations.

What were some challenges pastoralists faced in the modern era?

Overgrazing, ecological damage, state intervention, and settlement policies.

What was the impact of climate on the interaction between steppe people and agricultural societies?

Cooler and drier periods pushed steppe people south, increasing conflict with settled agriculturalists.

What was the significance of the Yuan Dynasty in China?

It marked the first non-Han Chinese dynasty, established by Kublai Khan after the Mongol conquest.