The Mongols

Genghis Khan
(1162?-1227)

For many centuries, the Mongolian peoples traveled around the Middle Eastern grasslands in small clans. It wasn't until around 1200, that an authoritative leader stepped in to unite those small clans into a dominating Empire. His name was Genghis Khan. Khan was nine years old when his father was poisoned by the Tatar enemies and he and his family were abandoned by their clan and left to live in extreme hardship. He sought revenge years later on his enemies and began his long years of conquest over massive territories. He accepted the title of "Genghis Khan" meaning "Universal Ruler" of the Mongol clans in 1206. His great skill on organization, strategy, and cruelty allowed him to successfully destroy many ruled lands and conquer all of Central Asia by 1225. Over the course of 25 years, The Mongols had conquered territory beginning from China all the way Poland; the largest united empire in history. Even after Khan's death, his sons and grandsons continued to take over more territories. They invaded Northern China, Korea, Russia and Persia. By 1260, they divided their empire into four regions (Khanates). The Khanate of the Great Khan was Mongolia and China, the Khanate of Chagatai was Central Asia, the Ilkhanate was Persia  and the Khanate of the Golden Horde was Russia. Each Khanate was ruled by a different descent of Khan. 

)Mongol Empire Rule of Central Asia Map)

Mongol Ruling in India and China

In India, the Mongols were angered by the murder of Mongol traders and ambassadors, as well as the Hindus because of their opposite Ideology than Islam (after they converted), the Mongols slaughtered massive amounts of Muslims (before they converted). After they converted, they destroyed the sacred temples of the Hindus and killed many Hindus as well.  Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, became the emperor of the entire Mongol Empire in 1260. Though he only controlled his own Khanate, that included Mongolia, Korea, Tibet, and Northern China. However, he first began by conquering all of China. In 1279, Kublai's army finally took over China. But the effect they had on China was more promising than expected. Under his rule, Kublai was able to restore and unite China in over 300 years. He enabled international trade that brought new foreign inventions and contacts into trade. Kublai left the Mongolian ruling to settle in China instead and establish himself as a great emperor. However, Kublai did face major difficulties; like using Korea to take over Japan but was defeated. Kublai faced an even greater challenge when trying to rule China.Because Mongols were not as civilized as the Chinese, and because China had an even greater population than those of the Mongols, both peoples lived separately and followed different laws. Kublai didn't allow the Chinese to achieve a high government job but did acquire their help for his governing. Higher government jobs went to the Mongols or foreigners (because they did not have any local loyalties). Apart from his difficulties, Kublai was able to restore and extend the Grand Canal 135 miles north to Beijing. He built a paved highway along its banks that ran 1,100 miles from Hangzhou to Beijing. The land and water routes supplied a steady supply of grain and other goods. 

Kublai Khan
(1215-1294)

Mongolian Influence On The Silk Road

After the Mongols took over a territory, long distance trade in the Silk Road became faster, cheaper, and safer. Because the Mongols were open to new ideas and foreign goods, they allowed merchants to set up trade "centers" along the Silk Road. The Mongols provided protection for the merchants in order for them to actually thrive in their trade. From 1250-1300, the Mongols established a law across much of Central Asia called the "Mongol Peace" or "Pax Mongolica  which guaranteed safe passage for trade caravans travelers, and missionaries from one empire to another; allowing the Silk Road to thrive. Foreign trade increased under the rule of Kublai Khan. Chinese silk and porcelain were greatly valued in Europe and western Asia. Traders also traded printing, paper currency, gun powder, playing cards, and a compass. 

     During the Yuan Dynasty, a merchant association known as the Ortogh was established from merchants traveling and trading throughout the Silk Road. Under the Mongol rulers, they received better protection from bandit groups near the border of the Mongol Empire and the Abasid Empire. Merchants had lower taxes and were also able to gain respectable higher social statuses among the people as well. 

(Silk Road Map Under The Mongol Rule)