Friar John Research Paper

In this primary source Friar John is sent by the Pope to Batu Khan's camp to understand the Mongol intentions. This is similar to the account that Ibn Fadlan gave about the Viking's lifestyle, but about an election. They arrived to the election of the Khan and waited for their response. In the time they were waiting he describes how they erected a white pavilion with a wooden palisade. The first few days they wore different colored velvets for the event. The emporer and the chiefs met in one of the tents for the election. The election brought envoys from Russia, Gerogia, the Caliph of Baghdad, and Sultans from the Saracens. When they finally saw the emperor they talk about his wealth he has recieved. "So many gifts were bestowed by the nevoys there that it was marvellous to behold- gifts of silk, samite, velvet, brocade, girdles of silk threaded with gold, choice furs, and other presents (428)." The emperor tried to keep the monks ignorant of his intentions to fight the western world after the celebrations. A month later they were able to write their questions down and get the reply that had to be translated and checked. Friar John and the Christians under the emperor believed that he would convert to Christianity because of the clerics, the supplies given

They both used different tactics, the Vikings used longships, and the Mongols and other steppe groups used the horse. The ships and horses allowed for opportunistic attacks and quick withdrawls for their raids. The attacks they carried out allowed for more contact between the regions of the world that previously had little contact, the Mongols having the biggest impact as their borders were massive. They helped ideas and trade spread through stagnant and declining empires supporting the status quo. Though their cultural and religious customs were different they still lived in tight-knit communities that appreciated wealth and