MONGOL UNIT STUDY GUIDE

Study Guide for Mongol Unit Test

Names, Dates & Places

• Temujin: Birth name of Genghis Khan.

• Genghis Khan: Founder of the Mongol Empire, reigned from 1206-1227.

• Hoelun: Mother of Genghis Khan.

• Borte: First wife of Genghis Khan.

• Torogene: Wife of Ogedei Khan, Genghis Khan's son.

• Sorghaghtani: Influential mother of Kublai Khan.

• Boraqchin: Genghis Khan's concubine.

• Tengri: Sky god in Mongolian shamanism.

• Hulagu Khan: Grandson of Genghis Khan, known for the sack of Baghdad in 1258.

• Kublai Khan: Grandson of Genghis Khan, established the Yuan dynasty in China (1268-1368).

• The Four Khanates: Division of the Mongol Empire after Genghis Khan's death.

• al-Mansur: Notable Abbasid caliph.

• Marco Polo: Venetian merchant who traveled to Asia, documented his experiences in the late 13th century.

• Dates:

  • 1162-1227: Life of Genghis Khan.

  • 1258: Fall of Baghdad.

  • 1271: Marco Polo's travels.

  • 1206-1368: Timeframe of the Mongol Empire's dominance.

• Locations:

  • Mongolian Steppe: The vast grassland region where the Mongols originated.

  • Baghdad: Major city that fell to Hulagu Khan.

  • Beijing: Capital of the Yuan dynasty established by Kublai Khan.

Concepts & Ideas

• Nomadism/Pastoralism: Lifestyle of the Mongols, relying on herding and moving with their livestock.

• Tengriism: Traditional Mongolian religion centered around the worship of Tengri, the sky god.

• Shamanism: Spiritual practice involving shamans who mediate between the spiritual and physical worlds.

• Aristocracy: Social class of nobles in Mongolian society.

• Meritocracy: System where individuals are rewarded based on ability and talent rather than social class.

• Mandate of Heaven: Chinese philosophical concept used to justify the rule of the emperor.

• Religious Tolerance: Policy practiced by the Mongols allowing various religions to coexist.

• Siege Tactics: Military strategies used by the Mongols to conquer fortified cities.

• Psychological Warfare: Tactics aimed at demoralizing the enemy.

• Utilitarianism: Ethical theory focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.

• Deontology: Ethical theory based on rules and duties.

• Line of Succession: The order in which members of a royal family inherit the throne.

Value System

• Translation Movement: Efforts to translate texts, particularly in the House of Wisdom, promoting knowledge exchange.

• House of Wisdom: Center of learning in Baghdad where scholars gathered to translate and study various texts.

Key Terms

• Khan: Title for a ruler or leader in Mongolian culture.

• Khanate: A political entity ruled by a khan.

• Concubine: A woman who is in a recognized relationship with a man but is not his wife.

• Caliph: A religious and political leader in Islam.

• Caliphate: The Islamic state led by a caliph.

• Epitaph: An inscription on a tombstone.

• Mosque: A place of worship for Muslims.

• Qu’ran: The holy book of Islam.

• Astronomy: The scientific study of celestial bodies, significant in Mongolian culture.

• Silk Road: Trade routes connecting the East and West, crucial for cultural and economic exchange.

• Polygamy: The practice of having multiple spouses.

• Contiguous: Sharing a common border; relevant in discussing the vastness of the Mongol Empire.

• Yurt: A portable tent used by nomadic Mongols.

• Brocade: A rich fabric often used in Mongolian textiles.

• Cavalry: Soldiers who fought on horseback, a key component of Mongol military