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Genghis Khan Mini Unit Study
If you were alive in the thirteenth
century, living anywhere from Manchuria in the east to Hungary in
the west, one of the most frightening sounds you could possibly
hear would be the thundering sound of a large group horsemen as
they rode across the plains towards your home. Why? Because it just
might be Genghis Khan and his Mongol hordes, on their way to conquer
your village or city! Between 1206, when Genghis Khan became the
Mongol leader, and 1294, when his last great successor, Kublai Khan,
died, the Mongol Empire grew at a phenomenal pace via conquest to
become the second largest empire in world history.
Today, Genghis Khan is remembered as a ruthless warrior, brilliant
military strategist, and an efficient political leader. For instance,
any resistance to Mongol rule was met with swift and cruel punishment
– the razing of cities and slaughter of inhabitants. But those
that submitted were treated fairly well. In military matters, Genghis
Khan was able to train his warrior to move fast, travel light, and
survive extreme hardship – all advantages in fighting larger
forces. As for politics, Genghis Khan governed by Yassa, a code
of law he developed, that provided discipline for the Mongols and
enabled trade and commerce both within the Mongol Empire and with
neighboring kingdoms.
In this mini unit study, you can: read a brief overview of the life
of Genghis Khan, learn quick facts about the Mongol Empire, look
at a timeline of key events in his life, examine the legacy of Genghis
Khan through Mongol art, view a map of the Mongol Empire at the
time of his death, listen to an interview with an author of a recent
book on Genghis Khan about his research into Khan’s life,
and have a discussion or write an essay about the ruler’s
leadership qualities.
Reading
Brief
overview of Genghis Khan
(Note: Spelling differences due to
transliteration method)
Quick
facts on Genghis Khan and the Mongols
Map
and Timeline
Map
of Mongol Empire at time of Genghis Khan’s death
Timeline
of key events in the life of Genghis Khan
Multimedia
Examination
of the legacy of Genghis Khan through Mongol art
Excellent
teaching guide for the art exhibit in the link above (PDF
file)
Interview
with Genghis Khan book author about research into the famous rulers
life
Activity
Discuss
or write about the leadership qualities of Genghis Khan
Recommended
Resource
Genghis Khan
and the Making of the Modern World
Here's one for the adults and older students:
An interesting, thought-provoking account of the conqueror's
life and legacy. From his early years as the son of a widow abandoned
by her clan, he showed remarkable ability as a charismatic leader
and unifier. In 25 years, his army amassed a greater empire than
the Romans had been able to achieve in 400.
... This colorful retelling discusses many of the innovations that
marked Khan's rule and contributed to his success. Although his
name is now erroneously associated with terror and slaughter, he
showed surprising restraint during a time when few others in power
did. He allowed freedom of religion, encouraged free trade, developed
a paper currency, and observed diplomatic immunity.
As he encountered new cultures, he adopted or adapted their best
practices, and constantly updated his military strategies. Although
Khan's death occurs at the midpoint of this book, the tales of his
survivors' exploits and the gradual fall of the Mongol dynasties
are engaging and informative... (School Library Journal)
Book (Paperback)
Authors: Jack Weatherford
Amazon Price: $9.72
Read
more about the book on Amazon
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