the mongols in china and persia (11/05)

Were the Barbarians a Negative or Positive Factor in History?

  • Reflections on Stereotypes and Rhetorical Devices

    • Quote: "Such greed burns in them that when they see something that pleases, they will immediately either obtain it through forceful insistence or they will take it away from the owner with violence, whether he likes it or not.” - John of Plano Carpini

Chinggis Khan (d. 1227)

  • Perception of Chinggis Khan

    • Viewed as a figure of significant historical impact.

    • Cultural Representation: Some narratives portray him as a Buddhist saint.

    • Textual Source: The Secret History of the Mongols.

Keshig (Supra-Tribal Royal Guard)

  • Role and significance within the Mongolian empire.

Mongol Empire Contextual Overview

  • Medieval European Geographic Landscape:

    • Key Locations: Baltic Sea, Novgorod, Vladimir, Moscow, and other significant sites in Eastern Europe and Asia.

    • Rus' Principalities and their relationship within the Mongol sphere of influence.

    • Golden Horde: Explored under the leadership of Toqta Khan (r. 1291-1312), a great-great-grandson of Genghis Khan.

Mongol Khanates c. 1300

  • Structure of the Mongol Empire:

    • Complex configuration including the Khanate of the Golden Horde, Chagatai Khanate, Ilkhanate, and the Yuan Dynasty.

    • Notable cities include Karakorum, Beijing (Khanbalik), and Samarkand.

    • Kublai Khan: Descendant of Genghis, expands Mongolian influence particularly in China.

Yasa (Written Law Code)

  • Key features of the Yasa as implemented by Chinggis Khan:

    • Mandate to respect all religions without preference.

    • Protection for religious leaders and professionals from public charges.

    • Prohibition against making peace with non-submissive entities.

Mongol Passport – Pro-Merchant Mentality

  • Significance: A document valued in trade and diplomacy.

    • Text of the Passport: "By the power of the Eternal Heaven, this is an order of the Khan. Whoever does not respect the bearer will be guilty of offence."

The Mongol Empire (c. 1250-1350 CE)

  • Geopolitical Expansion:

    • Military Campaigns: Significant invasions across Persia, Syria, Europe, Korea, and China, mobilizing armies in all directions.

    • Centralization Measures: Census-taking, monopolies on key resources such as salt and liquor to manage the economy effectively.

    • Ögedei Khan (Great Khan, 1229-1241): Notable for his military strategies and administrative policies, contributing to the empire's expansion.

Ögedei Khan's Philosophy

  • Quote: "One can acquire the world on horseback but one cannot rule it on horseback…"

    • Commentary on the necessity of establishing governance and administration beyond military conquest.

Karakorum (c. 1235-1260s CE)

  • Description of the City: Center of Mongol administration, showcasing remarkable cosmopolitanism with palaces and storehouses.

Karakorum Under Ögedei and the Yam (Jam) System

  • Established a network with thousands of stations for the facilitation of movement and trade.

  • Via Mongolica: Trade flourished under Mongol governance, highlighting the economic significance of the Yam system.

Korea in the Mongol Empire

  • Tributary State Dynamics: Initially perceived as enemies, Korea transitioned to an alliance characterized by intermarriage and mutual cultural exchanges.

The Empire Under Möngke Khan (c. 1260 CE)

  • Administrative Features:

    • Enhanced resource mobilization, unified currency, and measurement systems fostering a commensurate system throughout the empire.

The Mongol Commonwealth (1250-1350)

  • Integration of Key Territories:

    • Involvement of various regions under the four Khanates, including the establishment of crucial economic and cultural interchanges.

Mongol Conquest of the Song Empire

  • Invasions Overview: Details on the various conquests and their political implications on the Mongolian expansion into China.

Diplomatic and Economic Strategies Under Khubilai Khan (1250-1350)

  • Policies and Governance: Emphasis on trade advancements, the naval strategy, and effective tax systems.

Foreign Expeditions by Khubilai Khan

  • Multiple efforts to expand influence through military campaigns in Japan and Southeast Asia (1274 and 1281).

Cultural Contributions of the Yuan Dynasty

  • Patronage of various arts, literature, and the theater; disruptions in Confucian elite roles due to Mongol influence.

The Black Death (Pandemic Overview)

  • Impact of climate on the spread of disease, particularly through trade routes.

    • Estimates of population decline in Europe due to the pandemic, highlighting the interconnectedness facilitated by the Mongol Empire.

Concepts of Civilizations and Barbarians

  • Examination of ‘civilization’ against ‘barbarism’ as relative and culturally biased perspectives.

    • Exploration of identities attributed to Mongolian influences in historical narratives and modern interpretations.

Primary Sources and Historical Accounts

  • Notable Works Cited:

    • Rashid al-Din’s The Compendium of Chronicles; Juvayni’s History of the World Conqueror.

    • William of Rubruck’s accounts during his travels in the Mongol Empire.

Conclusion: Historical Legacy of the Mongols

  • Assessment of the Mongolian Empire's dual legacies: seen as conquerors yet also facilitators of trade and cross-cultural exchanges that shaped the socio-political landscape of Eurasia.