The Mongols

Uighur script

The writing system used by the Mongols to write their language, showing their connection to central Asian groups.

Shamans

Certain individuals who could intercede with nature spirits and gods, often using oracle bones.

Pastoral nomads

The primary way of life for the Mongols, who relied on herding animals for sustenance.

Privileged group

Families of chiefs who formed a privileged group from which all future rulers were chosen.

Slavery

The practice of capturing slaves in battle, which was common among the Mongols.

Taxes

Periodically collected taxes based on the number of animals a person owned.

Felt tents

Portable tents made of felt that could be quickly set up and dismantled, with women being responsible for packing them up and moving them.

Gender equality

Mongol societies had more equality for women compared to other sedentary civilizations.

Trade

The Mongols relied on settled peoples for grain, textiles like silk and cotton, and traded metal for weapons.

Chinggis Khan

The name given to Temujin after he united all the Mongol tribes and became their ruler.

Reorganization

Chinggis Khan reorganized the populations to weaken group loyalties and required every man to fight between the ages of 15-70.

Conquest of China

The Mongols conquered the Jin Dynasty in China and the city of Beijing in 1215.

Postal relay system

A system developed by the Mongols for relaying messages across their empire, ensuring safe travel for envoys and government agents.

Cultural exchange

The Mongols were willing to learn from their captives, promoting extensive cultural exchange.

Il-khanate

The name used by Hulegu, a Mongol leader, who ruled the western section of the Mongol territories and converted to Islam.

Mongol unity

After 1260, there was no Mongol unity, but four Mongol Khanates were established.

Muscovy

The successor to Kiev, ruled by Ivan III, who collected taxes for the Mongols but eventually broke free by 1500.

Chaghatai Khanate

A Mongol Khanate in Central Asia, which declined by 1500 due to the practice of tanistry.

Ottomans

Turkish Muslims from Anatolia who conquered surrounding lands, including Constantinople, and promoted commerce and fair tax policies.

Janissaries

Slaves captured by the Ottomans who were forced to become soldiers and eventually converted to Islam.

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