Year 12 IB Extended Essays 2017

gjy664 – Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Empire

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As a result of the radical change to social structure, Chinggis Khan established the empire’s

intent to kill rival aristocrats by developing a fighting force to establish total control. Children were expected to grow up ignorant of their past and become loyal Mongol followers. 41 Although, the Secret History indicates this was due to lack of a written language, with children learning by word of mouth. 42 Jamuka’s perspective on the ‘heaven and earth’ in the Secret History , showed the belief that Chinggis should be the empire’s leader, showing his immense influence. 43 Thus, there was an emphasis on loyalty in war and elimination of rivals, with Chinggis being described as ‘an enigma ’. 44 However, whilst western sources indicate loyalty was introduced under Chinggis, the Secret History suggests the Mongol tribal society focused on ‘loyalty of the individual’. 45 Nonetheless, Chinggis introduced complete loyalty. Consequently, the Secret History significantly references the importance of loyalty. As described, the Mongols ‘had borne in mind the principle (of loyalty)’. 46 The greatest legacy of Mongol unification, shadowing its success was increased religious tolerance, creation of a written language and a legal code 47 with a single legal system, trade support, development of a census and a communication system. 48 The development of a Mongol written language 49 was evidence of unity as it enabled the development of the Yam system. 50 As mentioned in Ystoria Mongalorum, the development of the Yam system, an effective communication system, kept communications open across the empire 51 and enabled communication under the Khan court. 52 However, a smaller scale system of ‘messengers’ was mentioned in the Secret History rather than an advanced system. 53 Nonetheless, the Yam system was critical in Mongol unification. Furthermore, the creation of a single legal system was significant as it united Mongol tribes and conquered lands under a single set of laws. 54 This was implemented through the Jasagn legal code, which prescribed punishments for transgressions of laws. 55 The census’ development enabled unity and control, as it provided

41 “Genghis Khan Mongol Ruler,” Charles R Bawden. 42 Onon, Secret History , 21. 43 Rachewiltz, The Secret History , 45. 44 “Genghis Khan Mongol Ruler,” Charles R Bawden. 45 Onon, Secret History , passim, 4-10. 46 Onon, Secret History , 210, 282. 47 “The Mongols in World History,” Morris Rossabi. 48 Easton, Oxford Big Ideas , 423-455. 49 Atwood, Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire . 50 Easton, Oxford Big Ideas , 423-455. 51 Carpini, History of the Mongols , 58,61,68. 52 Atwood, Encyclopedia of Mongolia and the Mongol Empire . 53 Rachewiltz, The Secret History , 79, 203. 54 Easton, Oxford Big Ideas , 423-455. 55 “The Mongols in World History,” Morris Rossabi.