7. The Backstory . . .
Mongols were nomadic peoples from the north
of China – originally lived as separate tribes
→in 1206 a powerful leader (khan) united them
↓
He was given a new title . . . “Universal Ruler”
= Genghis Khan
8. Genghis Khan 1165-1227
• illiterate
• born to a noble family
• 1207: set out to conquer an empire
• The warrior:
– an organizational & strategic genius
– created one of the most highly disciplined &
effective armies in history
– Led brutal, bloody attacks on Asia & E. Europe
– G.K. & his men killed all of the men, women & kids
in countless cities & villages
9. Genghis Khan continued . . .
• Within 20 years (after 1206) he ruled a large part
of Asia
• 1st led his armies into China in 1211
• His empire was religiously tolerant
• Conquered more land than any other conqueror
• Est. the largest, contiguous empire in history
• By his death in 1227, all of northern China was
under Mongol control
• G.K. died from internal injuries from a fall from
his horse while hunting
15. Even though Genghis Khan died,
his sons & grandsons continued to
raid lands all over Asia and E.
Europe.
↓
They left behind death & destruction
→→→→ Strenghths of the Mongols:
1) armed horsemen
2) fear of the Mongols
3) highly trained & highly disciplined
4) fearless
5) Genghis Khan
