Depiction of a battle between the Mongols and Chinese, 1211

The Mongols were nomadic people who lived in the Asian steppe, a semi-arid grassland, to the north of China. Revered for their skills on horseback, discipline, ruthlessness, and courage in battle, the Mongols earned a reputation for conquering. By destroying cities and countryside throughout much of China and into Europe, the Mongols created the largest unified land empire in history. In this topic, you will explore the rise, fall, and legacy of the Mongols.

Essential Questions

• How did the Mongols successfully establish the largest unified empire in history?
• What were the important contributions of the Mongols?

 

Warm-Up

Take a moment to study this scene from a Persian manuscript that was created around 1300 A.D. (C.E.). It shows Mongol troops near a catapult, who are capturing a city. What does the image reveal about the Mongols? How might the Mongol style of warfare reflect their goals, values, and fears?