Barbarism During Mongols' Conquests of the World

During the 13th century, a small tribe or warriors swept through Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, conquering a great portion of the world. After constantly plundering towns and slaughtering cities, this tribe was labeled as barbaric. Although they were seen as lowly savages, they had a name: the Mongols. The Mongols are famous for their brutal ways and their victorious conquests, but they contributed more than just bloodshed to human history. This small tribe wasn’t as barbaric as everyone believed. The Mongols were intelligent, established efficient laws, and brought prosperity to China.

Often, people assume that the Mongols only knew to kill and win, as if they were robots programmed only to do their job. However, they possessed intelligence unheard of before. The Mongols strategized in way where over ten men should beset one, who’s a captain of a hundred, with ten captains in charge of a hundred, with one man in charge of a thousand, with two or three chiefs in charge of the whole army (Doc 2).

In battle, they are responsible for each other. If one flees, he is put to death. This prevents the Mongols from retreating, therefore ensuring victory, and also proves that they were able to think instead of just being barbaric risk-taking serial killers. The Mongols also created quick ways to travel. As they draw near a station, a horn is blown, so that they are prepared fresh, ready harnessed, fully rested, healthy horses by the time they arrive (Doc 8). This method of travel allowed them to travel up to 250 miles in a single day. The Mongols knew more than just how to kill. It was their intelligence that contributed to their conquests.

The laws that Mongols made actually ensured that no one should act barbaric. Murder and theft ceased to exist because of how strict and efficient their laws were. Although there were many animals, they could be left unattended without worry because of how severe the laws were (Doc 7). No one dared to commit a crime. The Mongols were able to create peace in the nation because of these laws. The law required that husbands and wives were to show respect to each other, and that execution should be expected after committing adultery. Incest was not allowed, and drinking was limited to three times a month (Doc 10). Mongol society was serene as a result of these laws which prevented any Mongol citizens from acting barbaric. Due to these laws, the Mongols were generally a passive people.

After conquering nearly all of Asia, the Mongols strived to improve China. Mongol emperors built canals to enhance communication and transportation, were patrons of the arts, and made the winemaking economy, silk industry, and cities along the caravan routes prosper (Doc 6). Because of the Mongols, China was able to thrive. The economy grew, and China was wealthier than ever before.

Not only did they bring economic prosperity, the Mongols brought religious prosperity as well. The Mongols believed in only one God, but still were accepting towards other religions (Doc 9). People were not afraid to express their beliefs and ideas because the Mongols has religious tolerance. This proves that the Mongols were far from barbaric because they understood and had empathy towards others.

The Mongols have a negative reputation in most history textbooks. What others fail to realize is that the Mongols weren’t as barbaric as they seem. The Mongols used their efficient laws to prevent barbaric acts, used their great intelligence to overcome challenges, and brought religious and economic growth to China. In 1502, the Mongol era came to an end. During their rule, the Mongols, instead of acting barbaric, acted in a way that helped China for good.