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”)

Match the Following:

B. The period of peace and stability across the Mongol Empire that allowed for safe trade and cultural exchange.

A. The founder of the Mongol Empire who united the Mongol tribes and initiated their vast conquests.

C. The trade route revitalized under Mongol rule, facilitating exchange between East and West.

D. The strategies used by the Mongols, including horseback archery and psychological warfare, which contributed to their military success.

Silk Road

Pax Mongolica

Mongol Military Tactics

Genghis Khan