THE 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MONGOLIAN EMPIRE MOST OUTSTANDING - HISTORY - 2024

Among the main characteristics of the Mongol Empire, it stands out that it was one of the largest empires in the history of mankind. It got its start when Genghis Khan united all nomadic Mongol tribes in AD 1209. C.

It was constituted for a little more than a century and a half. This is a short life span for an empire with such might.

But this duration makes sense considering that they were characterized by having a brusque and dizzying history.

They became very powerful. At their peak they had dominance over great powers of their time, such as China. But it was never a state with solid foundations; therefore, it was prone to falling.

Among the main features of this empire are the legends about its extreme brutality and its military state.

The 5 main characteristics of the Mongol Empire

1- Religion

Although some tribes had converted to Christianity, at the time of Genghis Khan's unification most Mongols practiced shamanism. For this reason shamanism was the official religion of the empire in its beginnings.

As this empire expanded, other cultures were included. The influence of these was felt in the culture of Mongolia.

Freedom of worship was established thanks to Genghis Khan's obsession with immortality.

In this search he allowed the practice of different religions within his nation, in the hope that one would lead him to his goal. Towards the end of the empire, Tantric Buddhism replaced shamanism as the official religion.

2- Trade

The Silk Road crossed the Mongol Empire from section to section. This important trade route connected the Far East with Europe.

The main economic activity for the Mongols was trade. The Khan left this important route open and favored commercial exchanges.

In this way, the Silk Road also became an entrance of economic and cultural wealth.

3- Military organization

The military system of the Mongol Empire was one of the most efficient in history. Genghis Khan and his generals are renowned for their capabilities for military strategy.

The strategies that led the empire to grow so large were noted for their ingenuity. It was thanks to this ingenuity that the Mongolian army won battles in which the odds were against.

They also used battle techniques from different cultures, thus achieving their own style through adaptation.

4- Violence and physical brutality

The violence of the Mongol Empire is legendary. They had little compassion for the lives of those they considered inferior. Prisoners of war were treated cruelly and executed in painful ways.

One of the most popular methods of execution was to wrap the victim in a carpet and have him trampled by horses. Sexual slavery was also practiced with female prisoners.

5- Internal divisions

The fall of the Mongol Empire was due to many aspects, all internal. On the one hand, after the death of the first great Khan, divisions arose within the command factions. These took root over time.

The cultural differences between the inhabitants was also a serious aspect, since they did not get along. This created internal friction in the empire.

And finally, the Mongolian militia that was so efficient at the beginning of the empire became obsolete with the advent of gunpowder.

Including this explosive in firearms reformulated the way of making war. And the Mongols were unable to upgrade before their fall.

These aspects fragmented the empire from within, until its situation became untenable.

References

1. The Mongol Empire. (2007) allempires.com
2. The Mongolian empire overview. historyonthenet.com
3. Mongol empire. (2015) newworldencyclopedia.org
4. 7 brutal things that were done in the ruthless Mongol empire. (2017) vix.com
5. The Mongol Empire in the Middle Ages. (2014) encyclopediahistoria.com
6. The heirs of the Mongol Empire. (2015) apuntesdehistoria.net
7. Genghis Khan. (2017) biografiasyvidas.com