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