Question

Write about your initial impressions of the Mongol Empire.

Answer 1

The Mongol Empire which took place between the 13th and 14th centuries, became of the greatest and largest land empire in human history. Initiated in 1206 under the rule of Genghis Khan, this empire rapidly grew and spread throughout most of Asia and even parts of Europe. One of the biggest carachteristics of this empire, and especially its ruler, was how organized and well developed it became and this is because Khan did not believe in gaining power through birthright, but rather achievements. Thus, not only politically but also socially and militarily, the mongols developed into a structure where people rose not due to their ancestry, but their accomplishments. This, to me, was the most notorious feature. Also, the Great Khan, as Genghis Khan was called, believed in a system of rewards and punishments and was known by his people as a brutal but also fair ruler, which helped this empire to also evolve into much more than just savage military gains.

It is also true that the mongols were known for the destruction they wreaked on the lands they conquered and they were greatly feared. It was this fear that pushed the Chinese empire to build the Great Wall, but the Mongols, and especially Khan, were open to learning and desired it, which made them flexible to accepting new ways of thinking, acting and behaving. This is why, and through an oppenness towards trade, freedom of religion and belief and a desire for knowledge, the mongol empire also developed into one of the most culturally advanced and there was a lot of contact, especially with European territories and culture. This unfortunately changed after the death of Genghis Khan, as his heirs were unable to maintain the level-headedness of their original leader.