Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, including their governance, military strategies, cultural impacts, and historical significance.

Yassa

The legal code established by Genghis Khan to maintain discipline and order within his army.

Obedience

The quality of adhering strictly to commands; Genghis Khan's army was known for its high level of obedience.

Decimal System

Organizational structure employed by Genghis Khan to structure his army into units of tens, hundreds, and thousands.

Secret History of the Mongols

A historical text that provides insights into the life and politics of Genghis Khan and his empire.

Hulagu Khan

Genghis Khan's grandson who played a significant role in the Mongol conquest of the Middle East, including the destruction of Baghdad.

Caliph

An Islamic political and religious leader who was a successor to Muhammad, often challenged by Mongol conquests.

Cultural Fusion

The blending of different cultures, as seen in the patronage of Iranian literature by the Mongols.

Biological Warfare

The use of pathogens to harm or intimidate an opponent, exemplified by the Mongols during their siege of a Genovese fortress.

Pandemic Disease

A widespread outbreak of disease that affects a large population; referenced in the context of the Black Death.

Antisemitism

Prejudice against Jewish people, which intensified during times of societal crisis like the Black Death.

Quarantine

A public health measure that involves isolating individuals to prevent the spread of disease, utilized during the plague.

Timur

A later conqueror related to Genghis Khan who was known for his brutality and military prowess.

Compound Bow

A type of bow that uses multiple materials for power, famously used by Mongol archers.

Steppe Nomads

People who lived in the vast grasslands of Eurasia and were known for their mobility and horsemanship, specifically the Mongols.

Fleas

Insects that carried plague bacteria; pivotal in the spread of the Black Death.

Trade Routes

Paths that facilitated trade across regions; significantly impacted by Mongol conquests stretching from Asia to Europe.

Public Execution

A method used to instill fear and maintain control, notably utilized by various historical leaders including Genghis Khan.

Cultural Exchange

Interaction between different cultures resulting in shared traditions, knowledge, and practices, especially during the Mongol Empire.

Persian Manuscripts

Artistic works created during the Mongol period, reflecting the cultural achievements of the era.

Religious Toleration

The practice of allowing individuals to hold diverse religious beliefs; advocated by Genghis Khan.