William Marriott
AP World History Mongols Essay
3/14/14

In Eurasia during the 12th through 14th centuries the Mongols innovated new methods of expansion; like stirrups and Calvary that allowed them to conquer and rule the sedentary people of Eurasia. They were able to rule their conquered land by dividing it into Khanates (sections) ruled individually by Khans (rulers). Their rule both positively and negatively affected the people they conquered because the Mongols set up trade, which benefitted the conquered, but they also forced the conquered to pay tribute. These factors allowed the Mongols to grow the largest land empire of history that spanned all over Eurasia.

The Mongols were in part able to conquer so fast and effectively because of the methods they used to expand. An Italian explorer from Venice, Marco Polo, wrote a report on the Mongols from his trips to China and the Far East during 1274 through 1290. From Marco’s exploration he learned about the extreme expertise of the Mongols and the innovations and ideas they used that revolutionized fighting. Polo learned that the Mongols became experts at shooting their bow from when they were young. (Document #3) Their bow, made from sinew and horn, was capable of shooting 100 yards father than the classic English longbow. When you take into account the Mongols extreme skill at shooting was combined with an innovation of the stirrup (saddle) you can see how the Mongols were able to conquer so efficiently. The stirrup allowed the Mongols to shoot in any direction while riding a horse, making it optimal for them in massacring their enemy when you combine this with their great shooting ability. Polo also while on his journey learned the importance of Calvary in Mongol culture and battle. Polo saw that the milk from a mare or even the blood from a horses vein gain the Mongols an advantage when their