Medieval (about 476AD-1600’s)
17 Technological Developments in the Mongol Empire
Alayna Williamson
Introduction:
The Mongol Empire originated with Temujin, later known as Genghis Khan. His father Yesugei, a Mongol military leader, kidnapped his mother Ho’elum from her bridegroom in the Olqunu’ud clan, sparking a feud. At 15, Temujin was betrothed to Borte from the Onggirad tribe staged by Yesugei who was poisoned by the Tatars upon is return. Temujin’s family was abandoned by their tribe, leading to their starvation and his murder of his older brother Bekhter. Temujin was captured by the Tayichi’u, who sought revenge and punishment for Bekhter’s death, but escaped with the help of the Sorqan Shira household.
He gained his first follower, Bo’orchu, and sought support from Toghril Khan to rescue his betrothed, Borte, from the Merkit tribe. Through Toghril, he befriended Jamuqa to learn warfare, but when Temujin became khan of the Borjigid Mongols, Jamuqa attacked and forced him to flee to the Jin Empire. After nearly a decade, Temujin returned stronger, with many Mongols deserting Jamuqa due to his cruelty. His power continually surged as he defeated the Tayichi’ud.
In addition, Temujin demolished the Tatars with Toghril and received one of his many titles from the Jin. Toghril eventually turned against Temujin, leading to a battle where the he was conquered. Temujin captured Jamuqa in 1204-1205; during a battle on Chakirmaut on the slopes of Khangai Mountains, Temujin used incredibly effective tactics. According to the book “The Mongol Empire”, “Here he displayed a military genius in terms of organization, discipline, tactics and strategies that completely baffled his enemy, including opponents like Jamuqa who were well-regarded military leaders and familiar with Temujin’s style of warfare.” (May, 2018).
In 1206, Temujin was titled Chinggis Khan and reorganized society into a military system, uniting the Mongols. He established a bodyguard unit and trained his staff in military and administrative roles.
For political background, the Mongol political structure consisted of a Kurultai and a Great Khan. The Kurultai was a council made up of Mongolian nobles that held both political and military authority and was responsible for appointing the Great Khan. Genghis Khan was the first to be granted this title in 1206. Following the division of the empire into four Khanates, Yuan, Ilkhanate, Golden Horde, and Chagatai, the position of an official Great Khan ceased to exist, although the khans of the Yuan Khanate continued to use the title.
Connection to STS:
The Mongol Empire as a whole has several connections to our science, technology, and society class. The developments the empire faced over its reign included scientific discoveries, creation of technologies, and societal contributions. All of this shaped how the Mongol Empire and Genghis Khan is remembered.
Military Innovation:
Military innovation was revolutionary during the reign of Genghis Khan in