The Mongols in Europe

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The Mongols were a fierce people who conquered many lands under the strong leadership of Genghis and Kublai Khan. From their origins in Asia to the growth of their empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to Eastern Europe, their inspiration of Europe lasted for centuries. Both good and bad things came from them, but overall, their reign was for the betterment of European culture. The advancements Europe made within the 1200’s could not have been accomplished without the successes of the Mongol Empire. This all began with the Mongolian Empire rising up from the steppes of Central Asia. Starting out as a primarily nomadic people, several rival clans were all brought together by a man called Genghis Khan. With the new chieftain’s army, much of Asian lands were soon under his control. However, the Mongols failed to gain China in Genghis’ lifetime. His descendants, mainly Kublai Khan, were later able to expand into China’s land, and there they created a period of peace called Pax Mongolica. The previously ruined Silk Road was remade under Mongolian rule, which allowed the exchange of learning to be more accessible to both Western and Eastern Europe (Prentice Hall World History). During the period of Mongol Peace, Europe was just starting to advance past the point of the Middle Ages. Soon it would be known to all of Europe that a new era of death and devastation would arise. As the Mongols made their way throughout Asia and Eastern Europe, a disease was carried along with them. That disease was known as the bubonic plague, or the Black Death. It was carried to Europe on the Silk Road by fleas on rats. With no cure available at that time, it wiped out one-third of Europe’s population (Szczepanski). It would take Europe decades t... ... middle of paper ... ...red splits in the various cultural understanding of the Medieval Church. While many people still see the Mongolians as a ruthless force that took over many territories and caused much devastation, it’s easy to see now that God has placed everything on the Earth, good and bad, for His definite glory. Works Cited "Four Inventions of Ancient China: Paper Making, Gunpowder, Printing, Compass." Four Inventions of Ancient China: Paper Making, Gunpowder, Printing, Compass. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Ellis, Elisabeth Nor., Anthony Esler, and Burton Beers. "Chapter 12 Section 2." Prentice Hall World History. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2007. "The Renaissance - Rebirth of Europe." The Renaissance. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013 Szczepanski, Kallie. "What Effect Did the Mongols Have on Europe?" About.com Asian History. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2013.

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