Mongol Eurasia & the Black Death Study Guide

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards to aid in studying key concepts related to the Mongol Empire and the Black Death.

Steppe Ecology

Harsh grassland environment shaping Mongol nomadism and military tactics.

Pastoral Nomadism

Mobile herding economy; foundation of Mongol life.

Kinship Confederation

Flexible tribal alliances bound by loyalty to Genghis Khan.

Pax Mongolica

"Mongol Peace," period of safe trade and communication across Eurasia (13th–14th c.).

Yam System

Relay-post network for rapid communication across the empire.

Kublai Khan

Grandson of Genghis Khan; founder of the Yuan dynasty in China.

Ilkhanate

Mongol-ruled Persia; synthesis of Islamic and Mongol governance.

Golden Horde

Mongol khanate ruling Russia via tribute.

Yersinia pestis

Bacterium responsible for the bubonic plague.

Siege of Kaffa

Probable transmission point of plague to Europe.

Demographic Collapse

Massive mortality from plague; reshaped economies and societies.

Cultural Syncretism

Fusion of Mongol, Chinese, Persian, and Islamic traditions.

Ecological Adaptation

Conquest as a means of environmental survival for nomads.

Trade Networks

Integration of Silk Roads, maritime routes, and overland connections.

Mongol Decline

Caused by overextension, plague, and rebellion.