Nomadic Economy and SocietyNomadic Economy and Society

Rainfall in central Asia too little to support large-scale Rainfall in central Asia too little to support large-scale agricultureagriculture

Grazing animals thrive, central Asians turn to animal Grazing animals thrive, central Asians turn to animal herdingherding Food Food ClothingClothing Shelter (yurts)Shelter (yurts)

Migratory patterns to follow pasturelandMigratory patterns to follow pastureland Small-scale farming, rudimentary artisanrySmall-scale farming, rudimentary artisanry

Nomads in TurkmenistanNomads in Turkmenistan

Modern Mongolian Yurts

Nomadic Economy Nomadic Economy

Trade links between nomadic and settled Trade links between nomadic and settled peoplespeoples

Nomads engage in long-distance travelNomads engage in long-distance travel Caravan routesCaravan routes

Nomadic SocietyNomadic Society

Governance basically clan-basedGovernance basically clan-based Charismatic individuals become nobles, occasionally Charismatic individuals become nobles, occasionally

assert authorityassert authority Unusually fluid status for nobilityUnusually fluid status for nobility

Hereditary, but could be lost through incompetenceHereditary, but could be lost through incompetence Advancement for meritorious non-noblesAdvancement for meritorious non-nobles

Nomadic ReligionNomadic Religion

Shamans center of pagan worshipShamans center of pagan worship Appeal of Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity, Appeal of Buddhism, Nestorian Christianity,

Islam, Manichaeism from 6Islam, Manichaeism from 6thth century CE century CE Turkish script developed, partially to record Turkish script developed, partially to record

religious teachingsreligious teachings Conversion to Islam in 10Conversion to Islam in 10 thth century due to century due to

Abbasid influenceAbbasid influence

Military OrganizationMilitary Organization

Large confederations under a Large confederations under a khankhan Authority extended through tribal eldersAuthority extended through tribal elders Exceptionally strong cavalriesExceptionally strong cavalries

MobilityMobility SpeedSpeed

Turkish empires and their neighbors about Turkish empires and their neighbors about 1210 CE1210 CE

Saljuq Turks and the Abbasid Saljuq Turks and the Abbasid EmpireEmpire

8-108-10thth centuries Turkish peoples on border of centuries Turkish peoples on border of Abbasid empireAbbasid empire Service in Abbasid armiesService in Abbasid armies

Eventually came to dominate Abbasid caliphsEventually came to dominate Abbasid caliphs 1055 Saljuq leader Tughril Beg recognized as 1055 Saljuq leader Tughril Beg recognized as

sultansultan Tughril consolidated his hold on Baghdad, then Tughril consolidated his hold on Baghdad, then

extended rule to other parts of the empireextended rule to other parts of the empire Abbasid caliphs served as figure heads of Abbasid caliphs served as figure heads of

authorityauthority

Saljuq Turks and the Byzantine Saljuq Turks and the Byzantine EmpireEmpire

1071 Saljuq Turks defeat Byzantine army at 1071 Saljuq Turks defeat Byzantine army at Manzikert, take emperor captiveManzikert, take emperor captive

Large-scale invasion of AnatoliaLarge-scale invasion of Anatolia Many conversions to IslamMany conversions to Islam Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople 1453Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople 1453

Ghaznavid Turks and the Sultanate Ghaznavid Turks and the Sultanate of Delhiof Delhi

Mahmud of Ghazni, Afghanistan, Mahmud of Ghazni, Afghanistan, invades northern Indiainvades northern India

At first for plunder, later to ruleAt first for plunder, later to rule Northern India completely Northern India completely

dominated by 13dominated by 13thth century century Persecution of Buddhists, HindusPersecution of Buddhists, Hindus

Mongolian SteppesMongolian SteppesMongolian SteppesMongolian Steppes

Mongol WarriorsMongol Warriors

Mongol ArcherMongol Archer

Mongol Nobleman, Late 13 c.Mongol Nobleman, Late 13 c.

Robe of a Mongol Nobleman, Robe of a Mongol Nobleman, Early 14 cEarly 14 c

Chinggis Khan (1167-1227) and the Chinggis Khan (1167-1227) and the Making of the Mongol EmpireMaking of the Mongol Empire

Temüjin, b. 1167Temüjin, b. 1167 Father prominent warrior, poisoned c. 1177, Father prominent warrior, poisoned c. 1177,

forced into povertyforced into poverty Mastered steppe diplomacy, elimination of Mastered steppe diplomacy, elimination of

enemiesenemies Brought all Mongol tribes into one confederationBrought all Mongol tribes into one confederation 1206 proclaimed Chinggis Khan: “Universal 1206 proclaimed Chinggis Khan: “Universal

Ruler”Ruler”

Genghis KhanGenghis Khan

1162 - 1227 1162 - 1227 Originally named Temujin, the name Genghis Khan was taken by himself, meaning universal ruler.

The Reflex Bow, the primary Mongol weapon.

Mongol Political OrganizationMongol Political Organization

Broke up tribal organizationBroke up tribal organization Formed military units from men of different Formed military units from men of different

tribestribes Promoted officials on basis of merit and Promoted officials on basis of merit and

loyaltyloyalty Established distinctly non-nomadic capital at Established distinctly non-nomadic capital at

KarakorumKarakorum

Mongol ArmsMongol Arms

Mongol population only 1 million (less than Mongol population only 1 million (less than 1% of Chinese population)1% of Chinese population) Army c. 100-125,000Army c. 100-125,000

Strengths:Strengths: CavalryCavalry Short bowsShort bows Rewarded enemies who surrender, cruel to Rewarded enemies who surrender, cruel to

enemies who fightenemies who fight

The MongolsThe Mongols Genghis Khan’s Tax Laws:Genghis Khan’s Tax Laws:

If you do not pay homage, If you do not pay homage, we will take your prosperity.we will take your prosperity.

If you do not have prosperity, If you do not have prosperity, we will take your children.we will take your children.

If you do not have children, If you do not have children, we will take your wife.we will take your wife.

If you do not have a wife, If you do not have a wife, we will take your head.we will take your head.

Used cruelty as a weapon Used cruelty as a weapon some areas never some areas never recovered from Mongol destruction!recovered from Mongol destruction!

Mongol ConquestsMongol Conquests

Conquest of China by 1220Conquest of China by 1220 Conquest of Afghanistan, PersiaConquest of Afghanistan, Persia

emissaries murdered, following year Chinggis emissaries murdered, following year Chinggis Khan destroys rulerKhan destroys ruler

Ravaged lands to prevent future rebellionsRavaged lands to prevent future rebellions Large-scale, long-term devastationLarge-scale, long-term devastation

The Mongol Empires about 1300 CE

Khubilai Khan (r. 1264-1294)Khubilai Khan (r. 1264-1294)

Grandson of Chinggis KhanGrandson of Chinggis Khan Rule of ChinaRule of China Ruthless warrior, but religiously tolerantRuthless warrior, but religiously tolerant

Hosted Marco PoloHosted Marco Polo Established Yuan dynasty (to 1368)Established Yuan dynasty (to 1368) Unsuccessful forays into Vietnam, Cambodia, Unsuccessful forays into Vietnam, Cambodia,

Burma, JavaBurma, Java Two attempted invasions of Japan (1274, Two attempted invasions of Japan (1274,

1281) turned back by typhoons (1281) turned back by typhoons (kamikaze: kamikaze: “divine winds”)“divine winds”)

Marco Polo Marco Polo 1254-13241254-1324

A Venetian merchantA Venetian merchant Traveled through YuanTraveled through Yuan

China: 1271-1295China: 1271-1295 Sent on many diplomatic Sent on many diplomatic

missions throughout missions throughout Kublai’s empire.Kublai’s empire.

Served as governor in China Served as governor in China for 3 yearsfor 3 years

Wrote many novels Wrote many novels documenting his travelsdocumenting his travels

Yuan Dynasty Yuan Dynasty 1279-13681279-1368

Pax MongolicaPax Mongolica [“Mongol Peace”] [“Mongol Peace”] Tolerated Chinese cultureTolerated Chinese culture

but lived apart from them but lived apart from them No Chinese in top govt. postsNo Chinese in top govt. posts Believed foreigners were moreBelieved foreigners were more

trustworthy.trustworthy. Encouraged foreign trade & foreign Encouraged foreign trade & foreign

merchants to live and work in merchants to live and work in China.China.

Marco Polo’s TravelsMarco Polo’s Travels

Yuan Golden Bowl, 13 cYuan Golden Bowl, 13 c

Yuan Porcelains & CeramicsYuan Porcelains & Ceramics

The Golden HordeThe Golden Horde

While fierce, often brutal warriors, they were While fierce, often brutal warriors, they were tolerant rulers. tolerant rulers.

Absolute rule of the Mongols influenced later Absolute rule of the Mongols influenced later Russian rulers.Russian rulers.

Mongol rule isolated Russia from Mongol rule isolated Russia from advancements in art & science of the advancements in art & science of the Renaissance.Renaissance.

The Golden HordeThe Golden Horde The grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu Khan, led The grandson of Genghis Khan, Batu Khan, led

Mongol armies into Russia and other eastern Mongol armies into Russia and other eastern European territories between 1237 and 1241. European territories between 1237 and 1241.

Known as the Golden Horde, they ruled this Known as the Golden Horde, they ruled this region for 240 years.region for 240 years.

Conquest of Russia, 1237-1241Conquest of Russia, 1237-1241 Established tributary relationship to 15Established tributary relationship to 15 thth century century Rule over Crimea to late 18Rule over Crimea to late 18thth century century

Raids into Poland, Hungary, GermanyRaids into Poland, Hungary, Germany

The Ilkhanate of PersiaThe Ilkhanate of Persia

Abbasid empire toppledAbbasid empire toppled Baghdad sacked, 1258Baghdad sacked, 1258

200,000 massacred200,000 massacred Expansion into Syria checked by Egyptian Expansion into Syria checked by Egyptian

forcesforces

Mongol Rule in PersiaMongol Rule in Persia

Nomadic conquerors had to learn to rule Nomadic conquerors had to learn to rule sedentary societiessedentary societies Inexperienced, Lost control of most lands within a Inexperienced, Lost control of most lands within a

centurycentury Persia: dependence on existing administration Persia: dependence on existing administration

to deliver tax revenuesto deliver tax revenues Left matters of governance to bureaucracyLeft matters of governance to bureaucracy

Eventually assimilated into Islamic lifestyleEventually assimilated into Islamic lifestyle

Mongol Rule in ChinaMongol Rule in China

Strove to maintain strict separation from Strove to maintain strict separation from ChineseChinese Intermarriage forbiddenIntermarriage forbidden Chinese forbidden to study Mongol languageChinese forbidden to study Mongol language

Imported administrators from other areas (esp. Imported administrators from other areas (esp. Arabs, Persians)Arabs, Persians)

Yet tolerated religious freedomsYet tolerated religious freedoms

The Mongols and BuddhismThe Mongols and Buddhism

Shamanism remains popularShamanism remains popular Lamaist school of Buddhism (Tibet) gains Lamaist school of Buddhism (Tibet) gains

strength among Mongolsstrength among Mongols Large element of magic, similar to shamanismLarge element of magic, similar to shamanism Ingratiating attitude to Mongols: khans as Ingratiating attitude to Mongols: khans as

incarnations of Buddhaincarnations of Buddha

The Mongols and Western The Mongols and Western IntegrationIntegration

Experience with long-distance tradeExperience with long-distance trade Protection of traveling merchantsProtection of traveling merchants Volume of trade across central Asia increasesVolume of trade across central Asia increases

Diplomatic missions protectedDiplomatic missions protected Missionary activity increasesMissionary activity increases Mongol resettlement policiesMongol resettlement policies

Decline of the Mongol Empire in Decline of the Mongol Empire in PersiaPersia

Overspending, poor tax returns from Overspending, poor tax returns from overburdened peasantryoverburdened peasantry

Ilkhan attempts to replace precious metal Ilkhan attempts to replace precious metal currency with paper in 1290scurrency with paper in 1290s Failure, forced to rescindFailure, forced to rescind

Factional fightingFactional fighting Last Ilkhan dies without heir in 1335, Mongol Last Ilkhan dies without heir in 1335, Mongol

rule collapsesrule collapses

Decline of the Yuan Dynasty in Decline of the Yuan Dynasty in ChinaChina

Mongols spend bullion that supported paper Mongols spend bullion that supported paper currencycurrency

Public loses confidence in paper money, prices Public loses confidence in paper money, prices riserise

From 1320s, major power strugglesFrom 1320s, major power struggles Bubonic plague spreads 1330-1340sBubonic plague spreads 1330-1340s 1368 Mongols flee peasant rebellion1368 Mongols flee peasant rebellion

Surviving Mongol KhanatesSurviving Mongol Khanates

Khanate of Chaghatai in central AsiaKhanate of Chaghatai in central Asia Continued threat to ChinaContinued threat to China

Golden Horde in Caucasus and steppes to mid-Golden Horde in Caucasus and steppes to mid-1616thth century century Continued threat to RussiaContinued threat to Russia

Tamerlane the Conquerer Tamerlane the Conquerer (c. 1336-1405)(c. 1336-1405)

Turkish conqueror TimurTurkish conqueror Timur Timur the Lame: TamerlaneTimur the Lame: Tamerlane

United Turkish nomads in United Turkish nomads in Khanate of ChaghataiKhanate of Chaghatai

His descendants later His descendants later established the Mughal established the Mughal Empire in India.Empire in India.

Major military campaignsMajor military campaigns Built capital in SamarkandBuilt capital in Samarkand

Tamerlane’s Empire about 1405 CETamerlane’s Empire about 1405 CE

(Timurid Dynasty)(Timurid Dynasty)

Tamerlane’s HeirsTamerlane’s Heirs

Poor organization of governing structurePoor organization of governing structure Power struggles divide empire into fourPower struggles divide empire into four Yet heavily influenced several empires:Yet heavily influenced several empires:

MughalMughal SafavidSafavid OttomanOttoman

The Rise of the Ottoman EmpireThe Rise of the Ottoman Empire

The Ottomans were a nomadic Turkish speaking The Ottomans were a nomadic Turkish speaking group that had migrated from central Asia into Asia group that had migrated from central Asia into Asia Minor in the 14Minor in the 14thth c. c.

At the height of its power it spanned three continents, At the height of its power it spanned three continents, controlling much of Southeastern Europe, the Middle controlling much of Southeastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.East and North Africa.

The empire was at the center of interactions between The empire was at the center of interactions between the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries. the Eastern and Western worlds for six centuries.

The Ottoman EmpireThe Ottoman Empire

Osman, charismatic leader who dominates part Osman, charismatic leader who dominates part of Anatoliaof Anatolia

Declares independence from Saljuq sultan, Declares independence from Saljuq sultan, 12991299

Attacks Byzantine empireAttacks Byzantine empire Followers known as Osmanlis (Ottomans)Followers known as Osmanlis (Ottomans)

Osman I (Othman): 1299-1326

Ottoman ConquestsOttoman Conquests

1350s conquests in the Balkans1350s conquests in the Balkans Local support for Ottoman invasionLocal support for Ottoman invasion

Peasants unhappy with fragmented, ineffective Peasants unhappy with fragmented, ineffective Byzantine ruleByzantine rule

Tamerlane defeats Ottoman forces in 1402, but Tamerlane defeats Ottoman forces in 1402, but Ottomans recover by 1440sOttomans recover by 1440s

The Capture of Constantinople, The Capture of Constantinople, 14531453

Sultan Mehmed II (“Mehmed the Conqueror”)Sultan Mehmed II (“Mehmed the Conqueror”) Renamed city Istanbul, capital of Ottoman Renamed city Istanbul, capital of Ottoman

empireempire

Mehmet II: 1444-1445; 1451-1481

(“The Conqueror”)

The Ottoman Capital -- Istanbul