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THE MONGOL LIFE CHOSE ME
The Mongols were brutal conquerors, taking over almost all of Asia and large section of Europe in eighty years. Being experts at archery and horseback, they swept through the continent with ease, not even having to fight in some cases, because natives were to terrified to resist. Those who did try to fight back, however, had their homes destroyed, their wives and daughters raped, and their fellow soldiers killed in the merciless flurry of arrows that was the Mongol hoard. How did all this barbarity start, you ask? The answer to that is a simple one: Genghas Khan. Orphaned as a young boy, Genghas (known as Temujin at the time) was hardened by tragedy and adopted by the then leader, Ong Khan, who later declared Genghis as his heir. This didn't sit well with Ong's biological son, who then tried to assassinate Genghas, but was defeated by those who had become loyal to him. Genghas went on to unify the Mongol tribes, making them a solid force of soldiers and a people.
The Mongolians were much more than uncivilized warriors, however. They were tolerant of all religious beliefs, and reconstituted trade between Europe and Asia. Kidnapping women was made illegal, as was the selling of women into marriage. Khan also made stealing animals a serious offense, as they were essential to life. It was also considered an extremely safe place to live, with expertly guarded cities. The Mongols were split into four sections, ruled by Genghas' four sons and their sons after. This great and prosperous empire was short lived, though, lasting just over one hundred and fifty years. With their expansion brought uprisings and attacks by other peoples. |