The Mongols, a nomadic people from the Asian steppe, conquered vast territories across Asia under the leadership of Genghis Khan in the early 1200s. By 1225, Genghis Khan had united the Mongols and controlled Central Asia, using brutality to subdue his enemies. After his death in 1227, his successors expanded the Mongol Empire to include northern China, Korea, Russia, and territories reaching into Eastern Europe and the Middle East over the next 50 years. The Mongol Empire was eventually divided into four khanates that ruled different regions.

1. 12.2 The Mongol
Conquests
The Mongols, a nomadic
people from the steppe,
conquer settled societies
across much of Asia.

2. Nomads of the Asian Steppe
 Geography of the Steppe
– Steppe—dry grassland of Eurasia—
provides home for nomads.
– Two main expanses: Central Asia to
eastern Europe, and Mongolia.
– Steppe has little rain, dramatic seasonal
temperature differences.

3. Visual 1 of Asian steppes

4.  The Nomadic Way of Life
– Steppe nomads are pastoralists—herd
domesticated animals.
– Way of life teaches Asian nomads to be
skilled horse riders.
– Nomads travel in clans—kin groups are
linked by a common ancestor.

5. Visual 2 nomadic tents

6.  Steppe Nomads and Settled Societies
– Nomads and people living in settled
communities often interact.
– Some interactions are peaceful, as in
trade.
– Sometimes nomads raid towns and
cities to seize wealth and goods.
– Strong state or empire could protect its
lands from these invasions.

7. The Rise of the Mongols
 Genghis Khan Unites the Mongols
– About 1200, Genghis Khan—”universal
ruler”—unites Mongols.
– In early 1200s, he begins a campaign of
conquest.
– By 1225, Genghis Khan controls central
Asia.

8.  Genghis the
Conqueror
– A brilliant organizer
and strategist.
– Uses brutality to
terrorize his
enemies and force
surrenders.

9. The Mongol Empire
 Death and Succession
– Genghis Khan dies in 1227.
– Successors continue conquests for 50
years.
– The Mongols conquer territory from
China to Poland.

10.  The Khanates
– In east, Mongols conquer northern
China and invade Korea.
– In west, Mongols take Kiev and threaten
Vienna and Venice.
– In 1250s, Mongols turn their attention
to Persia.
– By 1260, Mongol Empire split into
khanates of four regions.

11.  Khanate of the Great Khan
(Mongolia & China)
 Khanate of the Golden Horde
(Russia)
 Chagatai Khanate (Central Asia)
 Ilkhanate (Persia)

13.  The Mongols as Rulers
– Mongol rulers are tolerant of other
peoples and cultures.
– Some Mongols adopt local ways, leading
to a split among khanates.
 The Mongol Peace
– Peaceful period from mid-1200s to mid-
1300s is called Pax Mongolica.
– There was much east-west trade and
exchange of ideas during this period.