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Mongol Empire

The largest contiguous empire in history, expanding dramatically during the reign of Ögedei Khan after Genghis Khan.

Black Death

A devastating pandemic that occurred in the 14th century, resulting in the death of 25 to 65 percent of infected populations, and significantly impacting European society.

Kublai Khan

Mongol leader who patronized arts and supported improvements in various fields during the Yuan Dynasty.

Ecological factors

Factors such as climate changes that may have prompted the Mongols to expand beyond Mongolia due to threats to their pastoral-nomadic lifestyle.

Chinggis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire, he played a crucial role in the rapid expansion and incorporation of conquered groups into the empire.

Yersinia pestis

The bacterium identified as the cause of the plague, confirmed through ancient DNA evidence.

Quarantine

Public health measures implemented during the pandemic to control the spread of disease, established as a 40-day period as early as the 14th century.

Ming Dynasty

The Chinese dynasty established after the expulsion of Mongols in 1368, noted for its centralized power and agricultural focus.

Zheng He’s Voyages

A series of maritime expeditions led by the Ming Dynasty admiral, which connected China with various regions across Asia and Africa.

Feudal System

A social structure that began to decline after the Black Death, as labor shortages increased workers' bargaining power over landowners.

Ottoman Empire

An empire established by the Ottoman Turks, known for its significant expansion during the late 13th century and presence in both Europe and Asia.

Secular rulers

Leaders who began to assert control over religious authority and focus on individual autonomy following the societal changes brought by the pandemic.

Silk Road

A network of trade routes connecting Asia to Europe, facilitating cultural, commercial, and technological exchange.

Mongolian Steppe

The vast grassland region in Mongolia, which served as the heartland for the Mongol tribes and their nomadic lifestyle.

Cultural Exchange

The process through which cultures influence one another, often seen in the interaction of Mongol and Chinese civilizations.

Gunpowder

An explosive material that was developed in China and later utilized by the Mongols in warfare.

Religious Tolerance

The practice observed by the Mongols in allowing and supporting diverse religious practices within their empire.

Pax Mongolica

A period of peace and stability under Mongol rule, leading to increased trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia.

Marco Polo

Venetian merchant whose travels to Mongolia and accounts of Kublai Khan's court helped inspire European interest in Asia.

Yuan Dynasty

The dynasty established by Kublai Khan, marking the height of Mongol rule in China, known for its unique cultural blend.

Plague Rat

Rats that spread fleas carrying Yersinia pestis, contributing to the spread of the Black Death across Europe.

Tumen

The primary military unit of the Mongol army, consisting of 10,000 men, instrumental in their conquests.