Chapter 3: Networks of Exchange & The Mongols

Silk Roads

A network of trading paths across Central Asia that spread goods, religion, and art, with silk as the primary luxury product representing wealth.

Neo-Confucianism

Buddhist ideas that influenced Confucian teachings during the Song Dynasty; later became the ideology of Japan's regime.

Mongols

A nomadic empire created by Genghis Khan in 1206 that rapidly conquered Russia, Persia, and China with a highly organized military.

Mongol World War

A series of military campaigns, major expansions, and destructive attacks primarily directed at China.

Genghis (Chinggis) Khan

Supreme leader who united the Mongol confederations in 1206, initiated the Mongol world war, and sought to unite the world.

Pax Mongolica

A 13th-14th century period of stability and trade along the Silk Road, whose decline was hastened by the spread of the Black Death.

Khanate

One of four regional areas ruled by a khan, created when Genghis Khan's empire was split among his successors.

Khubilai Khan

Mongol leader who ruled China from 1271 to 1294 and preferred to rule using Confucian-style teachings.

Ming Dynasty

Dynasty lasting from 1368 to 1644 that restored traditional Chinese practices and Confucianism after Mongol rule.

Marco Polo

European merchant who traveled the Silk Road to Yuan China and described the Mongol-Chinese relationship as akin to slavery.

Black Death

A deadly disease caused by Yersinia Pestis carried by fleas and rodents, severely reducing Afro-Eurasian populations in the 14th century.

Mongols in China (Yuan Dynasty)

Ruled by Khubilai Khan; discouraged intermarriage, banned Chinese from learning Mongol script, and enforced strict rule.

Mongols in Persia (Il-Khanate)

Turned agricultural land into pasture destroying crops, but eventually assimilated and converted to Islam in 1295.

Mongols in Russia (Khanate/Golden Horde)

Viewed Russia as underdeveloped, exploiting it through high taxes, enslavement rates, and mandatory tribute collection centered in Moscow.

Mongol Military Tactics

Relied on skilled archery, horseback riding, large land and naval forces, and incorporating conquered soldiers into their ranks.

Economic Impact of the Black Death

Closed major Asian land trade routes, forcing Europeans to shift toward sea routes and advance overseas navigation and trade organization.