Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
Overview
Nomadic herders populated the steppes of Asia for centuries during the classical and postclassical eras and periodically came
into contact and conflict with the established states and empires of the Eurasian land mass. It was not until the eleventh
century, however, that the nomadic peoples like the Turks and Mongols began to raid, conquer, rule, and trade with the
urban-based cultures in a systematic and far-reaching manner. While these resourceful and warlike nomads often left a path
of destruction in their wake, they also built vast transregional empires that laid the foundations for the increasing
communication and exchange that would characterize the period from 1000 to 1500 in the eastern hemisphere. The success
of these nomadic empires in this era can be attributed to
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Their unmatched skill on horseback. When organized on a large scale these nomads were practically indomitable in
warfare. Outstanding cavalry forces, skilled archers, and well-coordinated military strategy gave these peoples an
advantage that was difficult for even the most powerful states to counter.
Their ability to integrate vast territories through secure trade routes, exceptional courier networks, diplomatic
missions, missionary efforts, and resettlement programs.
In spite of these successes and the enormous influence of these nomadic peoples, their leaders were, in general, better at
warfare than administration. With the exception of the later Ottoman Empire, most of these states were relatively short-lived,
brought down by both internal and external pressures.
Reading Questions (Vocabulary terms should be highlighted throughout answer)
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To what extent did the natural environment and the demands of a pastoral economy influence social
organization on the Eurasian steppe lands?
Compare and contrast the Turkish empires in Persia, Anatolia, and India.
Explain the origins, course, and legacy of Chinggis Khan’s Mongol empire.
Compare Mongol rule in the ilkhanate of Persia with the Mongol rule in China during the Yuan dynasty.
Analyze the economic and social changes and continuities that resulted from Mongol rule in ONE of the
following regions: Russia, China, Anatolia, northern India
Key Concepts in the Chapter:
3.1 – Improved transportation technologies and commercial practices led to an increased volume of trade, and expanded the
geographical range of existing and newly active trade networks.
3.1.III – Cross-cultural exchanges were fostered by the intensification of existing, or the creation of new, networks of trade
and communication
3.1.IV – There was continued diffusion of crops and pathogens throughout the Eastern Hemisphere along the trade roues
3.2.I – Empires collapsed and were reconstituted; in some regions new state forms emerged
3.3.II – The fate of cities varied greatly, with periods of significant decline, and with periods of increased urbanization buoyed
by ruling productivity and expanding trade networks.
3.3.III – Despite significant continuities in social structures and in methods of production, there were also some important
changes in labor management and in the effect of religious conversion on gender relations and family life.
Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
SPICE Chart (Use the examples to help your place information
AP Themes
SOCIAL
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Family/ kinship
Gender roles/relations
Social and economic
classes
Racial/ ethnic factors
Entertainment
Lifestyles
“Haves” & “have nots”
POLITICAL
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Leaders/groups
Forms of government
Empires
State building/expansion
Political structures
Courts/laws
Nationalism/nations
Revolts/revolutions
INTERACTIONS (WITH
PEOPLE AND THE ENVINRONMENT)
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War/conflict
Diplomacy/treaties
Alliances
Exchanges between individuals, groups, &
empires/nations
Trade/commerce
Globalization Location
Physical
Human/environment
Migration/movement
Region
Demography
Neighborhood
Urbanization
Settlement patterns
Disease
Cities (2 major ones)
CULTURAL
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Religion
Belief systems and teachings
Philosophy
Holy books
Conversion
Key figures
Deities
Art
Music
Writing/literature
Philosophy
Math
Science
Architecture
Technology
Innovations
Transportation
ECONOMY
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Agricultural/pastoral
Economic systems
Labor systems/ organizations
Industrialization
Technology/industry
Capital/money
Business organizations
Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
SPICE Chart (Use the examples to help your place information
AP Themes
SOCIAL







Family/ kinship
Gender roles/relations
Social and economic
classes
Racial/ ethnic factors
Entertainment
Lifestyles
“Haves” & “have nots”
POLITICAL








Leaders/groups
Forms of government
Empires
State building/expansion
Political structures
Courts/laws
Nationalism/nations
Revolts/revolutions
INTERACTIONS (WITH
PEOPLE AND THE ENVINRONMENT)
















War/conflict
Diplomacy/treaties
Alliances
Exchanges between individuals, groups, &
empires/nations
Trade/commerce
Globalization Location
Physical
Human/environment
Migration/movement
Region
Demography
Neighborhood
Urbanization
Settlement patterns
Disease
Cities (2 major ones)
CULTURAL

















Religion
Belief systems and teachings
Philosophy
Holy books
Conversion
Key figures
Deities
Art
Music
Writing/literature
Philosophy
Math
Science
Architecture
Technology
Innovations
Transportation
ECONOMY







Agricultural/pastoral
Economic systems
Labor systems/ organizations
Industrialization
Technology/industry
Capital/money
Business organizations
Term
Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
Vocabulary List
Definition/significance
Yurt
Definition:
Significance:
Shamans
Definition:
Significance:
Sultanate of Delhi
Definition:
Significance:
Temujin
Definition:
Significance:
Khubilai Khan
Definition:
Significance:
Ilkhanate
Definition:
Significance:
Yuan
Definition:
Significance:
Tamerlane
Definition:
Significance:
Ming Yongle
Definition:
Significance:
Battle of Manzikert
Definition:
Significance:
Khanbaliq
Definition:
Significance:
Term
Chapter 18: Nomadic Empires and Eurasian Integration
Vocabulary List
Definition/significance
Golden Horde
Definition:
Significance:
Hulegu
Definition:
Significance:
Bubonic Plague
Definition:
Significance:
Marco Polo
Definition:
Significance:
Ming Hongwu
Definition:
Significance: