Mongol History, Research Paper Example

Mongol history dates back for many centuries and over various geographic origins. From Siberia to Bajkal, Mongolian history is rich with suspect and myths. Mongolians have a reputation for being barbarians led by Genghis Khan in the 1200’s. Although the nomad tribe dates back prior to the leadership of Khan, this era signifies the political stance of the Mongolians as a unified group and a culture of its own. Mongols possessed a spiritual realm with insight to the need for joining the qualities of the feminine and the masculine: Yin and Yang (Oestmoen, 2001, sec. 3, para. 9). Qualities of nature were coupled with human qualities are descriptive for their culture and beliefs. This believe of the elements of the world being feminine or masculine was undoubtedly due to the life they lived in the forests and valued land and nature.

The Mongols have a reputation as barbarians in the 13^th and 14^th century. They maintained tactics with a primary target to slaughter, disfigure and kill ruthlessly. The Mongolian armies were quick and direct in fighting; merciless and coldblooded. “Though the brutality of the Mongol’s military campaigns ought not be downplayed or ignored, neither should their influence on Eurasian culture be overlooked” (Asia for Educators, 2004, para. 1).

The Mongols contributed a great deal to society, despite the horrific history of how they acquired the world’s largest empire. The Mongol empire linked countries together which brought about opportunities for cultures to interact and develop new solutions for quality of life. Khan and his descendents funded advances in medicine and astronomy throughout their domains (Asia for Educators, 2004, para. 2). They also implemented construction projects to build up the land and resources. They were responsible for the creation of roadways and the opening of post offices. The connection between the East and the West is perhaps one of the most influential developments the Mongols are responsible for. Linking Europe and Asia ushered in an area of frequent and extended contracts between them (Asia for Educators, 2004, para. 5). At the greatest expanse, the empire stretched from Korea to Hungary, including, except for India and the south-east of the continent, most of Asia, as well as a good deal of eastern Europe (Morgan, 1990, p. 5). The territory comprised the largest of any nomad empire in the history of the world.

One book entitled the Secret History of the Mongols is considered the only surviving documentation available providing insight into the culture and mindset of the Mongolians. It is the “only direct insight we possess into how the Mongols viewed things” (Morgan, 1990, p. 9). Illiteracy was not a strong part of the Mongolian culture. Therefore, the written historical evidence on the Mongol empire is from the pens and brushes of that time (Morgan, 1990, p. 9). Interpretations have been done in various languages.

After the death of Khan the Mongols began to dissipate and the culture became nonexistent. Khan’s heritage included genius which none of his descendents displayed. Khan lived under a code of honor; however, his descendants were more concerned with wealth, greed and lust. The tragic alcoholism and depravity that marked the Mongol leaders after Khan is well documented (Osetmoen, 2001, sec 6, para.1). Nomad cultures also were not steady and this also contributed to the end of the Mongols. While most believe Genghis Khan and the Mongolian empire were barbarians, they underestimate the contribution to society and the world this culture of people dedicated. Khan wanted to create societies in which humans could enjoy the thrill of intense quality and true togetherness at the same time (Osetmoen, 2001, sec 6, para. 3).

Works Cited

Asia for Educators. “The Mongols in World History.” 2004. Web. Retrieved January 12, 2010 from http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/mongols/history/history.htm

Morgan, David. The Mongols. Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Malden, MA. 1990.

Oestmoen, Per Inge. “Mongol History and Chronology from Ancient Times.” February 24, 2001. Web.  Retrieved January 12, 2010 from http://www.coldsiberia.org/webdoc3.htm