Journal Log

              Recently I have been quite interested in a very different group of successful people. These people are known as the Mongols. They have been personified as "bloodthirsty animals", and most people attempt to stray from them. However, I don't believe this is true, I believe that there is a different side of these people, a calmer side, and I want to make sure I find it.          
                 ~ Marco Polo                

Dear Journal,
              I have been going around asking people for their thoughts on the Mongols. Based on how these people responded it is clear that the majority of people view the Mongols as barbaric thieves that only know how to hurt, kill and destroy. After hearing this response repetitively, I asked them why everyone had this violent image of them. There responses were that the Mongols would literally kill anyone who got in their way while conquering land. Hearing these responses made me realize that  I was not going to get any positive answers from these people. So I decided that I should become part of the Mongol community so that I could get more answers. As soon as I was apart of the community, I started asking "my fellow Mongols" why we were so violent. I got a few strange looks, but some answered. The reason for their violence is mainly because that is their strategy for conquering land. Creating fear and panic causes some enemy soldiers to run away, making the area easier to conquer. For those soldiers who have stayed, the Mongols whip them. Also some Mongols had told me that they were only violent because, their leader Genghis Khan told them to be violent. "The greatest joy a man can know is to conquer his enemies and drive them before him. To ride their horses and take away their possessions. To see the faces of those who were dear to them bedewed with tears, and to clasp their wives and daughters in his arms" (www.uwgb.edu, Genghis Khan). After hearing this phrase, I just knew that there had to be innocence somewhere in these people.           
       ~Marco Polo          

Dear Journal,
      Today I went around asking the women Mongols about their positive qualities. They were confused at first, most answered. I gathered that most people, non-mongols, do not see the positiveness of the Mongols because only the negativeness are focused on. The Mongolian women have higher statuses and rights,which is very scarce compared to other societies. The Mongols all have physical courage, strength, discipline, and obedience. However these characteristics are only showed toward their own laws. The Mongols also have an oppressive sense of loyalty and honor. They expect it in their enemies as well.        
        Genghis Khan was once wounded  by an unidentified rider on one of his journeys back from conquering. Genghis Khan could have killed that man right then and there, but he did not. People have said that he only spared the man's soul so that he could become a loyal follower, and a small amount say that Genghis Khan was just being kind. Later on the man was complimented by Genghis and became one of the greatest generals of the Mongol military. These men and women do have greater side to them, people just tend to look at the negatives rather than the positives.         
          ~Marco Polo            

Dear Journal,
      The Mongols had established a great trading market. However not by caravans like everyone, they realized that it was more expensive that way. So to solve this issue, they established Ortogh. Ortogh is like a resting area where merchants can re-stock on their supplies.With this new idea, the Mongols were great promoters of trading. The Mongols are very good with cultures. Due to the conquering of many different regions, they know a lot about various different cultures. For example, the Middle Eastern cultures were far from being similar to the European cultures. However the Mongols still managed to bring the two cultures together.    
                    ~Marco Polo 
________________________________________________________________________
          The Mongol Empire has a lot of similarities with numerous other Empires. The Islamic Empire is a great example of one.These two empires are very similar because of the tolerance of religion, trade, expansion, and legacy. The Mongols did not tolerate any other cultures or religions in their empire, everything had to go how they wanted it to or you would most likely be killed. In the Islamic Empire, it was very similar, it was not as drastic but still similar. In the Islamic Empire, the Muslims did not approve of any religion that was not Islam. Trade is another similarity between the two empires. The Mongols traded throughout the entirety of Eurasia. Like wise the Muslims did the same. Expansion is one of the main similarities. The Mongols had successful expansion starting from current day Mongolia, all of China and Middle East and the majority of Europe. The Muslims conquered all of the Middle East, Northern Africa and southern Asia. Now this last one, legacy, may sound strange, but if you think about it, these two empires have been the largest and most successful. The Islamic Empire still has a great effect in history today, Muslims are talked about everywhere, although not  in a particularly positive way. The Mongols are seen in movies, not as great but they are still greatly remembered for their fuzzy pointed hats and excessive killing. What I find most interesting about these two empires, is that the Mongols nearly destroyed the Islamic Empire, yet they still have so much in common.                      ~Faiza Ismail (2014)
  

Works Cited:

"The Mongols in World History | Asia Topics in World History." The Mongols in World History | Asia Topics in World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/mongols/>

"The Mongols." The Mongols. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.<https://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/WestTech/xmongol.htm>

Ben Justice

History H

Dear Journal,

                I, Marco Polo, am about to embark on a journey to Central Asia and China. I am going to travel along the Silk Road, but I am worried… I have heard stories of the bloodthirsty marauders the Mongols. I have heard stories of them burning whole cities, destroying civilizations, and obliterating thousands of people. I have heard the Mongols use horses for speed destroying towns in a matter of minutes. But possibly the most frightening thing is that they kill innocent people just because they can. I am very afraid that my journey in the Mongolian Empire may be cut short. I have heard the Mongols kill hundreds of innocents so that other enemies will be frightened and surrender before a battle even starts. The Mongols use speed and range to their advantage having archers on horses so that no single enemy can escape their iron grasp. If that does not send shivers down your spine I don’t know what will. It is estimated that Genghis Khan killed nearly 40 million people, I just pray to God I do not become one of them.

Dear Journal,

                After spending time in the Mongolian Empire I have come to a conclusion that my first thoughts of the Mongols were completely wrong. The Mongols are not bloodthirsty marauders, and destroyers of cities but rather they are promoters of trade and their empire is a bridge between East and West. The Mongols opened intercontinental trade, created new nations, and changed the course of history. One thing I have found is that Mongols love valuables and this leads to their acceptance of trade and merchants. Mongols also have the desire to further advance their knowledge in the areas of medicine, agriculture, religion, astronomy, craftsmanship, and technology. Clearly the Mongols are not simply just bloodthirsty barbarians but rather and interesting, and knowledgeable culture. Also when the Mongols captured a group of people and merged them into their society they did not force strict laws upon then, but rather accepted them as they were before. Peace, stability, economic growth, and the mixture of cultures were some of the main points I saw all over the Mongolian empire. I am very pleased with the knowledge I have gained while spending time in the Mongol’s Empire

Dear Journal,

                I believe history has such a split view of the Mongols because the story is told from two different sides, the side of the ones opposing the Mongols, and the side of the ones that see the true inner beauty of Mongolian society. The Persians, Chinese, and some Europeans saw the Ruthless Mongols, destroyers of cities, slayers of innocents, culture destroyers. The other side of the story is the true inner beauty of Mongolian society, they promoted trade, united cultures and built a bridge between Europe and Asia. They were intelligent people that loved to learn new things and accepted people as they were. Personally I think that one civilization the Mongolian society mirrors is the Athenian society they were centered around learning and promoted trade just like the Mongolians. Another Culture that is similar to the Mongolians is Sparta, Sparta had an unbeatable army in its time just like the Mongolians, they were both ruthless on the battlefield and both had very strong military tactics.

Citations: 

Rossabi, M.. N.p.. Web. 17 Jan 2014. <http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/mongols/>.

"World History Connected | Vol. 5 No. 2 | Timothy May: The Mongol Empire in World History." World History Connected | Vol. 5 No. 2 | Timothy May: The Mongol Empire in World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

Elizabeth Lanier Marco Polo Mongolia Project

First Entry

I will be traveling in a caravan to Mongolia with my father and uncle soon. They have already been to the east. They left when I was six years old, and returned when I was fifteen, so I don’t know either of them very well. But this time I will follow them as they make the trek all the way through Asia. I am not excited at all to meet these Mongols. I don’t know much about them, but the things I do know are not very good. In fact, I’ve heard that they are bloodthirsty murderers, literally. There are rumors that warriors will actually drink the blood of their horses to stay alive! And, when they kill someone, they have to bring cut off the ear of the victim just to prove that they killed him! I’ve also heard stories about the Mongol leaders. Genghis Khan brought the Mongols together, by defeating other tribes, and absorbing them into his own. Once he had a big enough army, he slaughtered city after city. If a city didn’t open up its gates immediately, they would kill every citizen once they eventually got inside. Word has spread about this, so people will hand over the city as soon as they see the Mongols. I’ve heard that their army will cover the horizon, as far as you can see to either side.

Since they were originally nomads, moving from place to place, their empire is extremely large now. Ogedei Khan, Genghis’s son, expanded it from Korea, all the way to Persia. It’s the largest empire in the world, but it got to be so big through bloodshed. They’ve taken over China, as well, but they don’t consider themselves Chinese. They’ve gotten rid of the way the Chinese chose their officials, and have kept the powerful positions to themselves.

I’ve also heard stories about how clever they are. If they want to conquer a city, one of their strategies is a group of ten men will charge, and then flee. When the other side follows, which they usually do, the rest of the Mongol army of ten thousand will be waiting to fight.

-Marco Polo

Second Entry

Now that I have spent seventeen years in the Mongol Empire, I have completely changed my mind about them. I am sad to leave them, but I have to return to Venice, where I was born. The Mongols have been nothing but pleasant and welcoming to me. When we arrived, Kublai Khan himself sent a royal escort to meet us and bring us to him. I was appointed to a high position of power in the Great Khan’s administration.

There was no shortage of new things to see. To think, someone like me, an educated Venetian, could be so ignorant about an entire part of the world! One of the new ideas I encountered was paper money. Substituting actual gold and silver with paper was completely foreign to me. I had never heard of such a thing, coming from a city that was the center of trade for the Mediterranean. Another novel thing was using coal. Back home, we have always used firewood, but here, there is no way there could be enough firewood to satisfy their needs. There are so many bathhouses, that it is a necessity to use coal instead of firewood, since most everyone visits one three times a week.

Even though the Mongols are absolutely vicious in battle, they are very peaceful otherwise. I was accepted, as well as others. They are tolerant of different cultures, sometimes even integrating aspects into their own culture, like Nestorian Christianity. Kublai Khan has also greatly improved the system of communication. Messengers could cover over 250 miles a day! He encourages trade, and he oversaw the height of the Silk Road, where I travelled. Kublai Khan makes merchants feel valued as well, so trade has blossomed.

So, after spending nearly half my life in Asia, I have to return to Europe.

-Marco Polo

Third Entry

There are a lot of contrasting viewpoints about the Mongols. Some say that they were bloodthirsty monsters, focusing on the Mongols in battle. Others say that they were fair and peaceful, focusing on the Mongols at peace. These are both valid points, and they are both true.

We can draw a comparison between the Mongols and the Spartans. The Spartans were vicious at war, and so were the Mongols. The Spartans wanted to expand more and more, and so did the Mongols. The Spartans would have succeeded in expansion, like the Mongols did, had it not been for Athens, who had the same idea. Both the Mongols and the Spartans kept positions of power away from foreigners. In Sparta’s case, they even kept citizenship away from people who didn’t descend from the original Spartans. Also, both civilizations were focused on war.

The reason that opinions on the Mongols have changed over the years is that we mostly have sources from people that the Mongols defeated. They paint a picture of violence. But now, we have the resources to prove that the Mongols were actually very accepting in times of peace.

"The Mongol Empire." The Mongol Empire. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

"Kublai Khan." Salem Press. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014. <http://history.salempress.com/doi/full/10.3331/GLMA_3621014911?prevSearch=mongol%2Bempire&searchHistoryKey=&queryHash=8f3a49fbb1dca0b783375b245ba58063>.

"Virtual Art Exhibit - The Mongols." Virtual Art Exhibit - The Mongols. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.

"The Mongol Dynasty." Asia Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

Wright, Esmond. History of the World: Prehistory to the Renaissance. New York: Produced Exclusively for W.H. Smith, 1985. Print.

"Marco Polo and His Travels." Marco Polo and His Travels. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.

"Mongols. A History of the Mongols (Monguls)." Mongols. A History of the Mongols (Monguls). N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

Journal Entry 1

Valeria Cowell
1/17/14
H block


Dear Diary,

              I have no idea what I’m getting into when I go to travel through the Mongolian Territory. I have had heard many horrific stories of the Mongols and one of their earliest leader known as Chinngas Khan.  A nickname I have heard for Chinngas was “Accursed bandit and killer destined for hell.” (Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongolian Empire; pg. 98) Now to hear this nickname really makes me more nervous about traveling. Chinngas’ goal was to become leader of the Mongols and he did and did not let anything come in his was to achieve his goal. If he had to use force he did so that he was able to get what he wanted.

              When begging his journey to becoming leader he had to conquer many countries and clans. One of his first conquest was the Jin Dynasty in China, and when the Dynasty did not do what he wanted he used his ruthlessness he was known for and used force. For vengeance he went after eastern Iran and Afghanistan this had led to many horrific massacres when these countries had rebelled against him. For his last conquest to becoming leader he had went after the Xia Dynasty when he needed help with gathering troops and they did not help he went after them and had caused multiple massacres to happen. By now after all of his tactics of scaring people to do what he wanted people just gave in and did what he wanted.

              Hearing all these stories have scared me and have worried for what will happen in this journey. Will I be killed? Will I be captured to become a slave? These questions have been going through my mind, but I cannot answer these questions unless I go on this journey to travel through Mongolian Territory. So I might be scared but that will not stop me from going on this journey.

                                                                    -Marco Polo

Dear Diary,

              Well it has been 17 years since my first journey through the Mongolian Territory and the things I have heard about the leaders of the Mongolian Empire were completely wrong. I have to say that Kublai Khan the emperor is a very kind and friendly person that I know. People who know the people of Mongolia and the people who have heard of them and their stories are completely different.

              While I was traveling I was introduced to one of the members Kublia’s court who had let us be introduced to Kublai himself. His reaction toward me was way different than I thought it would be was completely different. Instead of him being rude and scary he was very kind and friendly from all the stories I have heard his behavior was a complete shock. When my visit was over he insured my safety and protection while I continue my traveling. He said that the next time I return he had wanted me to come back with 100 men to help teach his people about Christianity. When I had returned I had gotten the same behavior I had seen when I first met him even though I had not returned with 100 men. With all the traveling I had done I had expanded my knowledge and education which had helped Kublai to make me and emissary. Kublai has valued me and trusted me over the time for all the thing I have done for him such as conquer land for him in China.

              I have not just learned new things about languages and culture, but I have earned that to not always believe in what other people say unless you experience it yourself. Kublai Khan is a great man he cares for education and the learning of new cultures or religions. The reason I’m still here is because he wanted his people to expand into another religion Christianity. Even though horrible things had to happen for his family to be in power Kublai tries to take advantage of his power to learn and educate himself in new areas.

                                                -Marco Polo

Journal

              “Why does history have such different views of the Mongols?” This question has been ask many times from many people. There are two views that come to people when they think about the Mongols: 1) They are horrific and ruthless people that attack innocent people. 2) They are people that love to learn about educations, new cultures, and new religions. To people they are viewed as one or the other. For me they are both horrific and ruthless people that also to broaden there education of new things.

              Alexander the Great was like the Mongols is some ways. Alexander wanted power, to conquer more land for his Empire, and to learn about new cultures and religions. As long as people did not rebel against Alexander or the Mongols nothing was to happen unlike if you did rebel against them there would be wars are massacres against them. The Mongols into their rise to power were ruthless they did have many massacres to achieve what they wanted, but when war did not come into view their Emperor wanted their people to learn new religions that is the reason he wanted Marco Polo to come back with men to teach people around his empire. During the Mongols time period they were both learners and kind but were also ruthless horrific people, but to get what they wanted they had behave in this manner their time period does not have the advantages as ours so we need to put it into their perspective know why they did what they did.

Bibliography 

Mar, Paul H. "Internet History Sourcebooks Project." Internet History Sourcebooks Project. Internet Medieval Source Book, n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014. <http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/polo-kinsay.asp>.

Moose, Chris, and Shelley Wolbrink. The Middle Ages, 477-1453. Hackensack, NJ: Salem, 2004. Print.

Atwood, Christopher P. Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongolian Empire. New York, NY: Facts On File, 2004. Print.

Mongol Empire - Ali Haghshenas

Journal Entry 1: The Ruthless Mongols

     I have started the path for my journey to China or what it is now called, Khanate of Great Khan since it has become under Mongol ruling. To be honest I have mixed emotions of anxiety and sadness for I have heard horrific stories about how Mongolia has become so powerful and large in size from people along the way of my journey such as my own father, a merchant, and a villager. The knowledge I have gained from these people has shown me how the Mongols are and have been nothing but desperate souls that are in need violence.

     Before leaving Venice, Italy my father told me about Genghis Khan and his campaign to grow the Mongol empire. It was said that the would lure there enemies with clever battle tactics to slaughter every last one. Villages in the way of the travels of the Mongol Empire were brutally killed if resistance was in place. Later on throughout Genghis Khans’ crusades throughout China, villages would just surrender on arrival of the Mongols. Many casualties were caused through out the Mongol invasions. It was said the population was 100 million and had a 40% decrease to 60 million.  Many were killed or moved in fear of death and torture. Then, I was lead to the ruins of a city in the Eastern Roman Empire called Tatar. there I met only one individual, a traveling European merchant. When conversation was created among us he told me the history of Tatar and how the ruthless Genghis Khan exterminated all the people. He said he knew this because he used to live their before the Mongol invasion. My journey then lead me to the country of Persia. While traveling on caravan I interacted with a villager from Merv and conversation was created. He seemed to have lost a limb, so I asked him how it happened. He said the Persians killed many mongols and the mongols wanted revenge. They came and caused over 700,000 deaths in that one village. The villager said he was being killed when someone distracted the mongol soldier long enough for him to escape. The mongols didn’t want revenge just on the people but the shahs’ death was also an order from Genghis Khan.

     The stories changed my perception of the Mongols to being ruthless slayers of innocent beings. I am not a soothsayer and am scared of the catastrophes that might happen in the mere future. This race of people are unknown for what destruction they can cause and this makes my journey a frightful, unpleasant time.

Journal Entry 2: Mongol Advances

      I have just come back to Venice, Italy from a marvelous journey to China. My perception of the Mongols has changed to people who are advancing civilization in both Eastern and Western civilizations. Religious tolerance is is a rule throughout the Mongol empire. By having this understanding, the Mongols are gaining more and more supporters and increasing in size. It also helps with cooperation with different parts of the empire easier. 

     The current leader Kublai Khan has protected the silk roads allowing travel from all 4 khanates a safe way. This action allowed many innovations such as gunpowder to reach the European world. Kublai has adopted so much culture that the blend of culture allows people from around Asia to communicate easier. People were trading livestock from Europe to textiles,spices, and porcelain in Asia.Trade of objects was not the only thing being done between nations, but religions were also being spread from missionaries. 

     I did some missions for Kublai Khan and the success proved to him that I was worthy. In fact I was honored so much that I was given my own town to rule. Kublai let original leaders rule any area conquered to not affect the people. Like religious tolerance, this bonded the people with the government more intact. 

     All these actions made by Kublai Khan and previous leaders has allowed the mongol empire to rise to great power while being in favor of the people. They have made a secure bond with Eastern and Western civilizations by having a trade of culture that innovated daily life. I falsely perceived the Mongols as intolerable killers but have come to the understanding that they have advanced civilizations.  

Journal Entry 3: Perceptions of Mongols

     Overtime, the world has perceived Mongols to be harsh and bloodthirsty, to being something great that advanced life around the world. These observations seemed to change positively when the actions preformed by the Mongols seemed to start benefiting the common man. 

     Alexander the Great was another leader known throughout history for being a beneficial leader to not just his roman citizens but to places that have been conquered. Both the Mongol Empire and the Roman Empire started creating a good status when their adopt of culture and religious tolerance on conquered areas started advancing daily life. Civilizations were being advanced by trade routes that were made easy throughout the empires because they were protected. Religion and new innovations going across these trade routes were not just trade but a one united culture was being formed. 

     The Mongols needed to attack and gain in empire size and population before they could gain a title of greatness. This was similar to Alexander the Great from the Roman Empire. He too had to first gain trust and supporters before he was able to put his great actions into play and known by his honored title, Alexander the Great. 

     When actions preformed benefit all by either kingdom, then trust and compassion for the leaders is formed. These actions started making people perceive the Mongols as a negative gain on society and gradually progress to people who advance civilizations. 

Cited Work: 

1. Atwood, Christopher Pratt. "Chinggis Khan." Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire. New York, NY: Facts On File, 2004. 97-100. Print.
2. "THEN AND NOW." : MASS MURDERER GENGHIS KHAN. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.
3. "East Meets West: Crusades and Mongol Invasions." East Meets West: Crusades and Mongol Invasions. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.
4. "Marco Polo Timeline." Marco Polo Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.
5. PPT, 2012. 0. <http://mrfarshtey.net/classes/The_Mongols.ppt> 
6. "Marco Polo Timeline." Marco Polo Timeline. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Jan. 2014.

http://pazhayathu.blogspot.com/2010/11/mass-murderer-genghis-khan-he-took.html

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/westtech/eastwest.htm

http://www.softschools.com/timelines/marco_polo_timeline/23/

Skyler Eastin

1-17-14

H-Block

Mongol Journal Project

First Entry

            I must admit that I’m a little nervous about our journey to the east. I’ve grown up hearing about the Mongols and all the horrible things they do. The stories started when the Mongols threatened to invade Europe. Then people starts talking about how the Mongols came to be, how they were once many different, smaller, nomadic clans that had to go through many wars with other clans just to become unified. They are an empire literally born out of war. Then people talked about the Mongols themselves. I heard that the cold conditions in which they lived toughened them up so they would seem more ferocious. And that they rode horses all the time, sometimes they’d have more than one horse so the rider could keep moving without tiring out any one horse too much. Sometimes they would drink the blood of the horses if they got too thirsty.  But the really terrifying thing is what I heard about their warfare. They have well organized troops in units of up to 10,000, and inside those 10,000 were smaller units of 1000, and inside that, units of 100. They had amazing strategies in war. Sometimes they would send out just a few troops on horseback to lure the enemies toward the really army so they could surprise attack them. When they did get to the town, they would often completely destroy it, sometimes killing every person they can find, then burning the town. I even heard there were a few towns that turned completely into farmland just a few years after they were attacked by the Mongols. Some towns heard about this, and when the Mongols showed up they just handed over the city to save time. Hopefully the Mongols won’t treat me as an enemy, and hopefully they have more to drink than horse blood.

Second Entry 

            I have become quite find of the Mongols these past few years. I’ve become one of the Great Kublai Khan’s governors. I’ve been to his palace a few times, and I can say beyond a doubt that it is the most splendid place in the entire world. It has pillars and paintings and windows and tiles and statues and books and decorations of all kinds and a field full of wild animals for hunting and a dining hall big enough to fit at least 6,000 people and the most amazing food. I cherish every second I spend there. I’m also impressed by some of the innovations of these people, such as paper money. It’s amazing to be able to carry one little piece of paper that is worth as much as a sack full of coins in Europe. I’m extremely pleased with the post system in this empire. Even though this is the largest empire the world has ever seen, stretching from Eastern Europe to the east of china, their postal system still works better than most small towns in Italy do. They also have this rock that is as black as night that can burn for very long periods of time. They have a black powder which can explode when touched by fire, and they use it as a weapon. These are the most notable of many astounding inventions of the Mongols. 

Third Entry

            The Mongols were overall a great empire. While some of their tactics were all together inhumane, the ends did justify the means. One of the Mongol’s most important moments was when they united under one ruler. The Mongols were once very many separate groups that united into one being, then expanded so that all the other nearby cultures became part of the being. This has proved to be a very effective way to build an empire, not just with the Mongols, but also with the Romans and the Ottomans. This tactic was best used by the Mongols, as they created the largest empire ever made up until that point, but also because they were the best at maintaining that empire. While other empires corrupted rather easily, the Mongols were able to implement a strong internal government, which is possibly the most important step in the Mongol empire.

Citations:

"Marco Polo." Calliope Jan. 2011: 28. 

“Marco Polo’s Adventures in China”

http://afe.easia.columbia.edu/mongols/pop/menu/class_marco.htm

Alexa Nunn Mongol Empire Journal

Alexa Nunn
January 16,2014
I Pledge
H Block

Mongol Empire Journal Project 

Journal Entry Number 1:

Dear journal,

     

     My name is Marco Polo. I am an explorer from Venice, Italy hoping to find new land. The next expedition I will be going on is to the China. I hear China is  beautiful country filled with so much culture to absorb. To learn more about the country I thought that it would me a marvelous idea to learn more about it before I embark on my Journey. The first person I talked to was my colleague Paolo, another Italian explorer from Venice who has just come back from China. Paolo's friend Han is a mongol. Their leader is Genghis Khan. Paolo says that meeting Genghis was a horrid and disturbing experience. Paolo says that he is a man who shows no mercy for any cause. Paolo says that Genghis' exact words were “Man’s greatest joy is in victory:  to conquer one’s enemies, to pursue them, to deprive them of their possessions, to make their beloved weep, to ride on their horses, and to embrace their wives and daughters… ". When I heard this, it made me want to change my mind about exploring China.His words disgusted me. How can a man so evil be worshiped and be given the power to lead any group of people? 

Talking to a few other explores from Venice made me dislike the Mongols even more. They all said that the mongols were bloodthirsty people who showed no mercy. The Mongols were a group of nomads who traveled by feet and by horse. They depended on their surroundings for food, clothes, and housing. When they ran out of supplies, they would go to a nearby settlement and demand supplies. If the people of that settlement did not give them what they wanted, they would them and kill every single person. After hearing all of this, all I could say was that the Mongols are murderers that strip people of their pride and force them into doing what they want. But after thinking about it for a while longer, I remembered how I believe that there is a little good in everyone, even in the most evil of people there is good inside them. This made me very curious so I decided to take off and go to China to see what the mongols are really like for myself. 

                                                                                                                   - Marco Polo

Journal Entry Number 2:

Dear Journal, 

     I have just come back from my journey to China. I learned many things about China's people and their culture. I also learned a lot about the Mongols too. It turns out that the Mongols are not all bad. Though they are very brutal people, they have done many things to help China grow in many ways. One good thing that the mongols did was that the Mongols created the largest unified land empire in history. The Mongols also made trade between Europe and Asia more active than ever. Not only did they trade goods, but they traded ideas and were effected y the culture around them. Gunpowder began to become more accessible and rice production was increased. The Mongols also opened more foreign contacts to Asia. A few more things that the Mongols got from trading was the compass, paper currency, playing cards, and the invention of printing. This is great for China because they are becoming a more developed country. Rare items like silk and porcelain were also traded.

     Seeing what all the mongols did made me want to join them, so I did. I served along side the Great Khan for 17 years and was inspired every moment by the experience. At first I thought that the Mongols were horrid people with no soul, but after being a part of them, I realized that sure, they like to be in control, but they have discovered so many new things to improve their own lives.

                                                                                                             - Marco Polo

Journal Entry Number 3:

Dear Journal,

     My name is Alexa. I am a historian who has been researching fact about the Mongols for many years. The Mongols is a difficult subject to study because of the different views on them. Some may say that they are evil, others might say that they were promoters of trade and culture. So why are there so many different views? Personally, I think that it is because that the Mongols were not just out for blood, but that they cared about expanding their knowledge of the land around them and developing a more advanced civilization. It could go both ways really. I would consider this a similar question that I might ask during a Sparta and Athens debate. The Spartans were bloodthirsty and only cared about war, but they gave their women more rights. However, Athens focused more on education and believed that it was not all about war, while giving their women barely any rights at all.  It really just depends on what you think is more important: war or women's rights? Killing innocent people or being a promoter of trade and culture? It is just your opinion on what you find is the most important characteristic between the two groups or the Mongols.

                                                                                                                       - Alexa


Works Cited/ Bibliography:

- "Holt McDougal Online." Holt McDougal Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

- "The Mongols in World History | Asia Topics in World History." The Mongols in World History | Asia Topics in World History. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2014.

- "Marco Polo in China (1271-1295)." Marco Polo in China (1271-1295). N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.

- May, T.. N.p.. Web. 17 Jan 2014. <http://worldhistoryconnected.press.illinois.edu/5.2/may.html>.