PRESENTATION OUTLINE
NOMADIC EMPIRES AND EURASIAN INTEGRATION
Central Asia does not receive enough rain to support large-scale agriculture. This limited the development of human societies in Central Asia. Because of the lack of agriculture, Nomads in Central Asia sought opportunities to trade with settled peoples.
Nomadic peoples had massive military power. Their militaries were very mobile and were based on cavalry. Saljuq Turks served in Abbasid armies and lived within the empire. They overshadowed Abbasid caliphs. Turkish rule was extended to Syria and Palestine. The Saljuq Turks also defeated the Byzantine army and took Anatolia.
Genghis Khan attained so much power because of the strong Mongolian military. The Mongol army was based on cavalry that moved very quickly. Genghis Khan's brilliant war tactics also helped him attain power. Lastly, Genghis Khan was cruel when it came to conquering.
The Mongols were organized in tribes, but Genghis Khan broke up the tribes and forced men of fighting age to join military units.He chose officials based on skill and their loyalty to him. This strengthened the Mongols.
Khublai Khan extended Mongol rule to all of China and often attacked the Song Dynasty. Khublai Khan was also very generous towards his people. He worked to improve the welfare of his subjects.
