Very interesting book. In Western Work we know a lot about Roman Empire, Alexander the Great, etc. But we dont look very often to Asia. And Gengish Khan and the following Mongol empires shaped much of the world society on the time and until know.
He was focused in meritocracy. As part of his war strategy, it was the elimination of the aristocracy of the conquered land. Very strong focus in integration. They never imposed their culture, they had full freedom for religious belief. They were brutal in war but never cruel. Torture was common in Europe and other empires, for them, it was against their belief.
They had a very clear war strategy: light travel, fast striking. They had few luggage and basic diet. They cleared the path for their horses for advancing and returning. So they destroyed and agriculture over their conquering paths.
It is interesting how Genghis Khan crumbled after his death because he didnt manage this family properly. But still, the new kingdoms kept a balance for a long time.
And something that reminded me to Rome, they had to keep expanding the empire just to keep happy the capital…. They introduced the paper money and women ruled when the men were fighting… and their campaigns lasted years!
Trade was critical for Mongols. They reached Hungary and the Balkans. They trade slaves with Venice and Genoa.
The climate was critical for their success, when the weather became warmer, their pastures were less productive in Mongolia, they had less horses, so the base of their strength was tilted.
They were master of propaganda, to spread fear so they conquering was easier. The empire was based on good army, good propaganda and good administration (just think of the sear size of the empire). They founded public education.
Mongols unified China. I didnt know that, they founded Beijing and started Forbidden City. They created the Chinese identity but they followed the mongol customes behind the curtines.
And the end of it was the Plague. The Plague stopped commerce and people. Without the fluid transit of people and goods, they couldnt keep it together.
And it is really shocking the bad reputation that has been written about Mongols after their incredible empire and success.