This week we span the Eurasian continent as we discuss the rise of the largest contiguous empire in world history--the Mongols. Review how various factors from the Turkish migration, adoption of Islam, and expansion of the Mongols shaped Central Asia. Pay particular attention to various strategies of leadership and legitimacy. As you read the textbook and review the PowerPoint, you'll note that much of this chapter focuses on the military strategies of "great men," Genghis Khan and Timur. Both men whose name would strike fear into those they conquered. Both men were the founding figures of impressive empires. Both men whose armies committed atrocities on their path to glory.

Course Documents:

Both Genghis Khan and Timur live on as legendary figures. You may have heard that it's estimated that .5% of the world's population alive today is related to Genghis Khan or read poems by figures such as Edgar Allen Poe about Timur. Or that Timur is estimated to have been responsible for the slaughter of up to 5% of the world's populations throughout his conquests. Through popular culture, DNA, and myths and memories, these men live on. Consider their legacies as you review these sources:

Primary Source on Genghis Khan's military strategy, and possible ways to defeat him

Timur, in myth Excerpt from the play Tamburlaine the Great.pdf

Timur, in myth Excerpt from the poem The Great White Wall.pdf