The Mongols

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the Mongol Empire.

Nomadic Migration

Nomads migrate according to climate conditions to feed their flocks.

Nomadic Trade

Nomads need to trade with settled people for manufactured goods.

Nomadic Social Structure

Egalitarian, especially where women are concerned; both men and women must work for the social order to survive.

Genghis Khan

Born around 1162 with the name Temüjin, he united the Mongol confederations through civil war and became the Great Khan in 1206.

Meritocracy

Policy of promoting people based on merit rather than family position.

Social Mobility

Policy of bringing lower classes of conquered people into his own tribe while dispossessing the leaders of the conquered clans.

Kurultai

A general council where a prospective ruler would gather supporters on horseback to vote for his candidacy.

Khanates

Four major empires that emerged after Genghis Khan's death: Yuan Dynasty (China), Il-Khanate (Persia), Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia), and Khanate of the Golden Horde (Russia).

Mongol Army

Built on speed and archery with the mounted archers acting as fast tanks.

Yam System

System of way stations with horses and riders that could quickly relay information, including bronze passports to facilitate travel.