- History Courtney Green
The Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes that connected China to Europe and the Middle East. It facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas. Chinese silk was one of the most sought-after commodities, and the Silk Road played a crucial role in cultural diffusion and the spread of technologies.
What was the Silk Road, and why was it important?
What were some of the main goods/ideas traded along the Silk Road?
Despite the wealth & culture during under the Tang & Song Dynasties, the Chinese were briefly overthrown by the Mongols
From 1279 to 1368, foreign nomads called the Mongols ruled China
The Mongols were among the numerous nomadic tribes who lived in Central Asia
The Mongols lived in the harsh climate of the Eurasian steppe, an area with little rain & extreme temperatures
Mongols lived as nomadic clans, constantly searching for better pasture lands
Mongol life centered on herding animals, especially horses
How did the Mongols organize their social structure?
A. In large, settled agricultural communities
B. In nomadic clans constantly searching for better pasture lands
C. In fortified cities ruled by kings
D. In isolated family units with no communal organization
What was the central focus of Mongol life?
A. Farming crops like rice and wheat
B. Fishing in the numerous rivers and lakes
C. Herding animals, especially horses
D. Mining and metallurgy
As a result of their lifestyle, the Mongols were tough warriors who occasionally raided nearby settlements
From 1200 to 1206, a clan leader named Genghis Khan unified the Mongols
Genghis Khan built a powerful Mongol army & began a 21-year conquest of Eurasia
Mongol soldiers were excellent horsemen; Used the horse saddle to shoot arrows while riding
Genghis was a brilliant military organizer & strategist, but his greatest tactic was terror & fear
As the Mongol reputation spread, many towns surrendered to Genghis without a fight
If an enemy refused to surrender, Genghis would order the death of the entire population
How long did Genghis Khan's conquest of Eurasia last?
A. 7 years
B. 14 years
C. 21 years
D. 28 years
Mongol soldiers were excellent __________; they used the horse saddle to shoot arrows while riding. (bombers, airmen, horsemen)
If an enemy refused to surrender, Genghis would order the death of the entire __________. (population, country, region)
All of the following are places the Mongol Empire conquered except for:
Korea
Mexico
Russia
China
Islamic Empire
The Mongols were merciless in battle, but tolerant as rulers
Mongol khans (rulers) often adopted parts of the culture of the people they conquered
In the East, Mongols embraced Chinese culture
In the West, Mongols converted to Islam
The era from the mid-1200s to the mid-1300s is called the Pax Mongolica (“Mongol Peace”)