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The Mongols built an empire with one technological breakthrough
- meri_dian 9y agoIt's a shame that the popular conception of the Mongols is one of a mindless horde... The entire Mongol empire was built on innovation, not just in military tactics and strategy but also in administration. And it all started at the top with Genghis Khan. Instead of killing all members of a conquered population, Genghis offered the talented artisans, craftsmen, engineers and warriors among them a place in the Mongol empire, an offer many accepted. Incorporating Chinese military engineers from the Song Dynasty was how the Mongol army became so adept at sieges. Genghis encouraged the development of a postal system and roads linking the massive empire, and allowed the people he conquered to continue practicing their own religions. Unique to the Mongol empire among other steppe empires in history is that when Genghis died, his empire actually continued to grow, a testament to the foundations upon which he built his empire. All other confederations of steppe peoples that aspired to empire crumbled when their leaders inevitably died.
- podiki 9y agoI agree, there was a lot of remarkable things that happened even though people tend to dwell on the violence. I would love to see more about the history (and in that setting more generally); the 2007 movie Mongol was really different and wonderful. It's a shame that the followups that were planned were never made, shortchanging the only movie.