Before the Mongols began to attack Eurasian civilizations in the 1200s, China, Russia, and Persia had developed advanced societies. The Mongols desired power and wealth, and wanted to advance their society. They sometimes attempted to achieve this power and wealth using brutality, but they were not as barbaric as some historians would conclude. There were many positive aspects of their actions. The Mongols were a civilized society because they had an organized military form of warfare, they incorporated early forms of writing, communication, and religious tolerance, and they had key trading partners throughout the region which allowed international trade to safely develop. Although the Mongols were known for their violence, they were very orderly and goal-oriented in their style of military warfare. For example, History of the Mongols by Carpini stated, “Genghis Khan ordained that the army should be organized in such a way that over ten men should beset one man and he is what we call a captain of ten...” Another example of their organized army and ingenious battle tactics was the first-hand account that stated, “When … they are going to join in battle, they draw all the battle lines just as they are (about) to fight” (History of the Mongols). Both of these documents represent the structure and order beneath the extreme violence the Mongols were known for. Just because they used uncommon battle tactics, it did not mean they were barbaric.The Mongols had clever leaders who knew what their goal was, and they worked to accomplish it together. Other key aspects of civilization were the presence of a writing and communication system, and religious tolerance. Even though writing was not common among the Mongols, it was used sparingly, an... ... middle of paper ... ...the continent. This document can be considered reliable because it is a map compiled from several, corroborating sources.There is no bias in the map of the Mongol Empire, yet it is evidence of the vast territory that the Mongols secured. The Mongols were civilized because they were orderly and structured in their military system, they had some early forms of communication and religious organization, and they were expert traders who provided security for international trade to flourish. Their leaders were faced with many difficult decisions in the thirteenth century, and their methods were erroneously called barbaric. Mongols were seen as barbaric by other groups because of their unique, violent way of life. However, inside of their culture, it is easy to see that they were actually quite civil.They incorporated some of the most clever tactics that had ever been used.
The people that the Mongol Empire overthrew were the only ones to suffer under Genghis Khan’s homicidal ways. Khan’s army was forcibly traumatized under maniacal methods as well: “Genghis Khan ordained that the army should be organized in such a way that over ten men should beset one man and he is what we call a captain of ten. [...] When they are in battle, if one or two or even more out of a group of ten run away, all are put to death; and if a whole group of ten flees, the rest of the group of a hundred are all put to death, if they do not flee too. [...] Likewise if one or two or more go forward boldly to the fight, then the rest of the ten are put to death if they do not follow and, if one or more of the ten are captured, their companions are put to death if they do not rescue them.” (doc B) Every group of ten was expected to perform at a homog...
In conclusion, the mongols were more barbaric than they were peaceful. They were able conquer and destroy entire cities, use brutal and strategic military tactics, and provided harsh and cruel punishments for their prisoners daily lives. Many say that the mongols were the greatest civilization that has ever
Rossabi, Morris. "Life in China Under Mongol Rule: Religion." The Mongols in World History | Asia
strong communication system. In document 3, it says “ Other columns of stronger men they dispatched so far to the right and the left so that they are not seen by the enemy and in this way the surround them and close in and so the fighting begins from all sides” (Document 3). This piece of evidence is saying, that they had a game plan to defeat their opponents. They also had strong communication system because in document 8, it states “ (M)ore than 200,000 horses are stabled at these posts for the special use of the messengers” (Document 8). This also shows that they have post offices along roads with 200,000 horses combined. This shows the Mongols knew how to fight and how to communicate
Mongolia was the largest contiguous land empire in human history. It existed in the 13th and 14th centuries, however its traditions and influences can be found all throughout the world today. The Mongolian Empire was due to the unification of the Mongol and Turkic tribes under the rule of Genghis Khan in 1206. This paramount empire connected the east and west using Pax Mongolica which allowed trade all throughout Eurasia. However, the Mongolian Empire’s importance did not die with the fall of the Empire in 1368, but the vital influences remain significant even today.
When the word “Mongol” is said I automatically think negative thoughts about uncultured, barbaric people who are horribly cruel and violent. That is only because I have only heard the word used to describe such a person. I have never really registered any initial information I have been taught about the subject pass the point of needing and having to know it. I felt quite incompetent on the subject and once I was given an assignment on the book, Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern Age, I was very perplexed for two reasons. One I have to read an outside book for a class that already requires a substantial amount of time reading the text, and secondly I have to write a research paper in History. I got over it and read the book, which surprisingly enough interested me a great deal and allow me to see the Moguls for more than just a barbaric group of Neanderthals, but rather a group of purpose driven warriors with a common goal of unity and progression. Jack Weatherford’s work has given me insight on and swayed my opinion of the Mongols.
The Mongols could be described as civilized due to the exceptional public works built under their rule, keeping them unified. The Mongolian Empire was enormous, spreading from Korea to Poland and Vietnam to Syria. In fact, Genghis Khan conquered about 4,860,000 square miles, more land than any other ruler had ever controlled (document 1). A vast civilization is hard to keep united. However, the Mongols were able to do this through their public works. In Khan-balik, today known as Beijing, countless roads were built, connecting several provinces (document 8). Mongolian leaders also built canals (document 6). In addition, Marco Polo reported that when he visited the city of Kinsay, 12,000 stone ...
In this book Weatherford presents an extremely biased view of the Mongols. He only talks about the wonderful things that the Mongols did, as well as their victories. His presentation only makes the Mongols sound immaculate. To other nations, he might sound as if he were terrifying, therefore making his immaculate picture a biased view.
The Mongols were an influential group of people. They’re rule reached the far reaches of the globe even reaching places in Europe. The Mongol impact is clearly seen in the Persian and Chinese societies. Although it was the Mongols who took over both these societies, they still differed in many aspects.
...he unit in this particular text, will be a basic span of knowledge that will allow them to further explore the Mongols and their empire with a substantial base to support them and eager minds to lead them on to find out details, facts, significance, and truth.
In comparison to many battles between multiple civilizations in history, each side of the warfare or argument will have their foes. To tie this theory into the documents, the Mongols were recorded to have many foes. The enemies that they had were the populations that disagreed with them or abandoned [escaped] them. Throughout the documents and further reading of historical context, the Mongols were defined as brutal attackers that did not settle their disputes in a what could be considered “proper” manner. Although, my previous statement may be slightly accurate, the Mongols are also credited for having the largest empire known to man, successful power and military, and advancements in trade and conquest. The Mongol empire accomplished the conquest of a large territory in a short amount of time because they were productive in the creation of strategic propositions, adequate in execution, and brave in all aspects of warfare.
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.
The Mongol Empire was one of the most powerful and largest empire the world would see. Genghis Khan, the creator of the Mongol Empire had a clear view of how he wanted his empire to be. In history we can see that the creator of a new empire focus in establishing laws and a government that will protect its people as well as those who they conquered. Genghis Khan like many other ruler wanted a society in which the new generations would not suffer from the cruel traditions of their ancestors, as well to ensure that the Mongols would have a higher statues than the people they conquer, which many ruler did the same.
Kahn, P. (2005). Secret History of the Mongols: The Origin of Chingis Khan. USA: Cheng & Tsui
When led by Genghis Khan the Mongols were the most feared nation at the time, and for good reason. Genghis Khan was able to unite all the different Mongol tribes, something unheard of at that time and use them as a united force to defeat anyone who dared oppose them. Whether the enemy hid in the city of confronted the Mongols the battles ended the same. No one could stop the genius military tactics of the Khan and his second in command, Subutai. Travelling was easy, light, and effective. They lived off of the land and their horses that provided them with milk. With unmatched hunting and fighting skills, led by those unmatched in tactical skills this army was one truly meant to be feared. This is why people view Genghis Khan and his reign as the greatest military conquest in history.