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Nomads of the Asian Steppes

Nomads of the Asian Steppes. Asian Steppes. Steppe: Vast stretch of grassland – spreads across Asia for thousands of miles Nomadic people roamed the steppes Temperature extremes: -57° to 96°F. Mongol Nomads. Many nomads roamed on horseback – lived together in clans (kinship groups).

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Nomads of the Asian Steppes

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  1. Nomads of the Asian Steppes

  2. Asian Steppes • Steppe: Vast stretch of grassland – spreads across Asia for thousands of miles • Nomadic people roamed the steppes • Temperature extremes: -57° to 96°F

  3. Mongol Nomads • Many nomads roamed on horseback – lived together in clans (kinship groups)

  4. The Rise of the Mongols • Mongol clan leader named Temujin defeated rivals across Mongolian steppe – took name of “Genghis Khan” or ‘universal ruler’ • Spent 21 years conquering much of Asia

  5. Genghis Khan’s “Reign of Terror” • “In retribution for every hair on their heads it seemed that a hundred thousand heads rolled in the dust”

  6. Genghis Khan • Sought revenge against other tribes & Muslim neighbors – ruthless tactics/slaughtered thousands • Created largest unified land empire in history (from China to Poland)

  7. The Mongol Empire - Khanates

  8. The Khanates • Each Khanate ruled a portion of the empire

  9. Khanate of the Golden Horde Khanate of the “Great Khan” Chagatai Khanate Ilkhanate of Persia

  10. The Khanates of the Mongol Empire • Khanates were effective leaders (similar to province system of earlier civilizations) • At first – destroyed land & irrigation of enemies --> became very feared • Eventually adopted culture from many areas --> ruled with stability, law & order • The Pax Mongolica “Mongol Peace” (1200-1300) had stability, trade, & exchange of ideas

  11. Problems for Kublai Khan • Khan was once told by an advisor: “I have heard that one can conquer the empire on horseback, but one cannot govern it on horseback”

  12. Kublai Khan’s rule • Government run by Mongols, but the population was overwhelmingly Chinese • Distrust led to lack of Chinese influence in government • BUT…this distrust led to a HUGE foreign influence in China – including • Arab Muslims, Indians, Persians, and Christian Europeans • One European to visit & trade: Marco Polo

  13. Marco Polo questions • Who was Marco Polo? • Where was he from? • What was he doing in China? • Why did Kublai Khan employ him?

  14. Marco Polo – Accurate story or ‘made up’? • What are the problems with the primary source account that you have just read? In other words, what makes it not believable? • What makes this account “believable”?

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