The Mongols were people who emerged from the vasts of Central Asia in the 13th century. Led by Genghis Khan, they rapidly conquered a vast empire that stretched from China to Eastern Europe. While the Mongols are often depicted as brutal conquerors, the documents provided offer a better view of their impact on the world. These documents include accounts of Mongol diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchange, as well as descriptions of their military campaigns. By examining these documents, we can gain a better understanding of the legacy of the Mongols and the ways in which they shaped the world we live in today.
The Mongol Empire was characterized by its rapid expansion and brutal conquests. According to (Doc 3), a letter from a Franciscan Friar named William of Rubruck, the Mongols used human skulls as drinking vessels. In (Doc 6), an excerpt from The Secret History of the Mongols reveals how the Mongols saw themselves as more than
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According to (Doc 4), the Mongols created a vast network of trade routes and provided safe passage for merchants, which led to an increase in economic activity. Additionally, (Doc 6) highlights the importance of pastoralism in Mongol culture, which led to the introduction of new farming techniques and animal husbandry practices in conquered territories. The evidence from these documents supports the claim that Mongol rule positively impacted the economy of the lands they conquered.
The role of trade and commerce in the Mongol Empire. (Doc 7) talks about the importance of the Silk Road as a channel for trade and commerce. (Doc 5) provides insight into the markets and trade fairs that took place throughout the empire. Additionally, (Doc 8) shows the extent to which the Mongols controlled the flow of trade goods. By analyzing these documents, it is clear that the Mongols were able to build a vast and complex economic system that was based on the control of trade and