Name
Class
Date
Biography
China
Sorghaghtani Beki
c. 1248–?
WHY SHE MADE HISTORY Sorghaghtani
Beki has been called the most famous of
Mongol women. She was the mother of four
Mongol rulers and she was a strong influence
on all of them.
As you read the biography below, think about
how Sorghaghtani Beki’s intelligence helped
her to see what was needed to help her sons to
rule wisely.
Women were important to Mongol society.
They took care of things at home so that men
could go off to war. Women were often warriors
themselves. There are many written records about
prominent Mongol women in Mongolian, Chinese,
and even European writings. But of all the women
mentioned, the woman who is mentioned most
frequently and praised most highly is
Sorghaghtani Beki.
Sorghaghtani Beki was the widow of one of
Genghis Khan’s sons and the mother of Genghis
Khan’s four adult grandsons. She was a woman of
great authority and intelligence. When there was
disagreement about who should rule the empire,
Sorghaghtani pointed out that the khans should be
the direct descendents of Genghis Khan, making her
sons the favorites.
Sorghaghtani made it possible for all four of her
sons to become successful khans. The most famous
of the four was Kublai Khan, who was the ruler who
eventually conquered and ruled all of China. It is
believed by many that the success of her sons is due
to Sorghaghtani’s wise teaching and influence.
©National Palace Museum, Taipei,
Taiwan/Bridgeman Art Library
VOCABULARY
khan former Mongol term
for ruler
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
11
63#5_MSH_Biography_Ch04.indd 11
China
6/24/06 4:35:26 >M
Name
Class
Date
Sorghaghtani Beki, continued
Biography
Sorghaghtani Beki knew from the beginning
what was needed for her sons to rule the vast
Mongol Empire successfully. While she was illiterate,
she made sure that her sons were educated. Each
son was taught a different language needed to
administer the empire. She taught them to be
tolerant and to protect and support the different
religions that existed in the empire. In this way,
they secured the loyalty of the clergy.
Sorghaghtani believed in helping instead of
destroying the economy of conquered lands. That
way, production and tax collection would increase.
Her teachings were essential to the success of her
sons as rulers. Sorghaghtani Beki’s name became
known throughout the empire. A Persian historian
described her as “extremely intelligent and able” and
as “towering above all the women in the world.”
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Recall Which Mongol woman is the most frequently mentioned and the most
highly praised in written records of the time? Why was she so famous?
2. Summarize In what ways did Sorghaghtani Beki influence her sons?
ACTIVITY
Imagine that you are going to introduce Sorghaghtani Beki, who has
won a “Woman of the Year” award, at a society gathering. Write an
introduction speech. Be sure to mention some of Sorghaghtani’s
accomplishments and why you think she deserves the award.
Copyright © by Holt, Rinehart and Winston. All rights reserved.
12
5052_MSH_Biography_Ch07.indd 12
China
3/17/05 7:15:21 PM