Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire

Silk Road

An ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean Sea where trade flourished under the control and protection of Mongol rulers. The Mongols did NOT build them but they did lower taxes (tolls) to use them and promised safe passage with no crime.

The Great Wall of China

Barrier in China that was meant to keep invaders out. It failed to stop Genghis Khan and his army.

Temujin

Birth name of the Mongol leader better known as Genghis Khan.

Beijing

Capital of northern China in the 1200's AD that was captured and destroyed by Genghis Khan and his army

Mongolia

Home of Genghis Khan and the Mongol people

Silk Roads

Land-based trade routes that linked Eurasia and led to significant exchange of goods, technology, and culture between the east and the west during the rule of the Mongols. The Mongols guaranteed safe passage on these trade routes during the period of their empire.

Mongol Empire

Largest land empire in the history of the world, spanning from Eastern Europe across Asia.

Yam

Name of the Mongols international postal service

40 million

Number of people that some historians estimate Genghis Khan and his army killed

Freedom of Religion

Practice of Genghis Khan which allowed conquered people to maintain their chosen faith - He practiced this in order that conquered people would be more accepting of his rule.

Silk, Spices, and Tea

Products produced in the east (Asia) that travelled in large amounts to the west (Europe) on the Silk Roads during the Mongols rule.

Universal Ruler

Translation of the title Genghis Khan

Speed and Mobility

Two factors that made the Mongols' army superior to virtually any opponent that they faced in battle. It was based on their ability as equestrians (horse riders).

Steppe

A large area of flat, treeless grassland in the elevated areas of Mongolia, the home of the Mongol people.

Yurt

A portable dwelling (tent-like) used by the nomadic people of Central Asia such as Mongols, consisting of a tent-like structure of skin, felt or hand-woven textiles arranged over wooden poles.

Glass

A prized product made in the west (Europe) that made its way to Asia on the Silk Roads during the Mongols rule.

Meritocracy/Social Mobility

A system practice by Genghis Khan in which promotion is based on individual ability or achievement - Genghis Khan did NOT care about your money, status, or last name. He promoted those that were the most talented and most loyal.

Genghis Khan

Founder of the Mongol Empire, he united the Mongol people and created what would become the largest empire in human history.

Surrender

Genghis Khan allowed people to live and communities to survive if they did this.

Universal Writing System

Genghis Khan established one of the world's first international system of writing which made communication more efficient.

Jamukha

Genghis Khan's best friend that ultimately betrays him. This betrayal led to a civil war that Genghis Khan won.

Borte

Genghis Khan's first and most favored wife

Nomadic

The act of moving from place to place for food

1206-1368 A.D.

The beginning and ending years of the Mongol Empire

Eurasia

The large landmass that includes both Europe and Asia that the Mongols united for the first time in history.

Pax Mongolica

The period of approximately 160 years of relative peace and stability created by the Mongol Empire. There was still fighting outside the empire but for those within, there was not infighting or overthrowing of the government or its leaders. The Pax Mongolica is characterized by significant accomplishments: 1) the expansion of worldwide trade including exchange of technology, culture, and language. 2) the creation of a universal writing system, 3) the establishment of social mobility within the empire, 4) creation of the first international postal system (the Yam), 5) protection of the Silk Roads which increased trade between east and west, 6) the establishment of religious freedom to those within the empire, and 7) the growth of worldwide exploration which will ultimately lead to the "discovery" of the Americas by people in Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Bow & Arrow

The preferred weapon of the Mongols; they were deadly accurate with great range.

1162-1227 A.D.

Years that Genghis Khan lived