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The Mongol Empire and the Making of the Modern World from c. 1200 to c. 1450
Created by Shaunak Ghosh
Explore how the Mongol Empire reshaped Afro-Eurasia from its dramatic rise to its lasting legacies. In under an hour, you’ll trace state-building, military innovations, trade boom, technological and cultural transfers, the empire’s decline, and how later powers like Ming China extended global networks.
What you'll learn
- Describe Eurasian political and trade landscapes before Mongol expansion.
- Explain Genghis Khan’s unification strategies and military innovations.
- Identify the four Mongol khanates and compare their governance.
- Assess how Pax Mongolica boosted Afro-Eurasian trade.
- Give examples of technological and cultural transfers fostered by Mongol rule.
- Analyze factors leading to Mongol fragmentation and decline.
- Compare how the Ming dynasty rebuilt and expanded exchange networks.
Learning path
9 modules • Each builds on the previous one
1
Eurasia Before Mongol Rise
Survey the political and economic landscape of Eurasia circa 1200, highlighting major empires and existing Silk Road trade routes.
1 video4 min
2
Genghis Khan's Rise to Power
Trace Temujin’s early life, unification of Mongol tribes, and strategies that established him as Genghis Khan.
1 video10 min
3
Mongol Military Innovations & Strategy
Examine cavalry tactics, compound bows, communication systems, and psychological warfare that powered Mongol conquests.
1 video9 min
4
Formation of Mongol Khanates
Analyze the empire’s division into Yuan, Ilkhanate, Golden Horde, and Chagatai, including governance styles and regional adaptations.
1 video7 min
5
Mongol Expansion & Trade Networks
Explore how Pax Mongolica secured routes, standardized weights, and drew new regions into Afro-Eurasian commerce.
1 video5 min
6
Technological Transfers under Mongol Rule
Investigate spread of gunpowder, papermaking, printing, and navigational tools facilitated by Mongol networks.
1 video5 min
7
Cultural Transfers Across Mongol Eurasia
Cover movement of artistic styles, religious ideas, and medical knowledge, including Islamic astronomy and Chinese art forms.
1 video5 min
8
Decline of the Mongol Empire
Explain internal divisions, economic strains, plague impact, and local resistance leading to khanate fragmentation.
1 video6 min
9
Other Empires and Trade Networks
Compare how states like the Ming, Ottoman, and Mali empires built on or created new trade and communication systems post-Mongols.
1 video5 min
Start Learning
Begin your learning journey
Modules9
Duration50 min
Science-backed learning
In-video quizzes and scaffolded content to maximize retention.
Key concepts
Pre Mongol EurasiaGenghis RiseMongol MilitaryMongol KhanatesMongol TradeMongol Technology TransfersMongol Cultural TransfersMongol DeclineOther Empire Networks