Respecting the Mongol Empire

There is definite evidence for the Mongols to be considered a respectable civilization. Based on the debate we had in class, there was a disconnect in the concept of respect. The discrepancy was the respect given to growth and conquest as opposed to acknowledging the immoral methods used to acquire their power. Raping and pillaging is never something that deserves praise, but the class discussion was not a a debate on morality. The Mongols made their major impact on history only for a small time, yet like Professor Andrews mentioned, “The seed of Genghis Khan” can be found all over the world. The small period of time that the Mongols did have their power, really showed how much can be done in a short time span. To the point where no one could physically stop them, essentially the only thing that could was, the Bubonic Plague. Respecting the Mongols is like respecting a lion, a species living off the land, not having a stationary home, but having to acquire resources by force. Placing fear into those around them, yet having a loving bond for each other.

Within the conquered empires that the Mongols sacked, there was not a culture change for the overthrown nations and cities. Like said in class, the Mongols respected the heritage of those they conquered, and even grew accustom to the certain religions and lifestyles. Because of the Mongols, there was a spread of certain religions among Asia, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. I find it very respectable that the Mongols did not force their cultures onto others, and that they adapted to people according to their regions and traditions. That is much more compelling than only thinking of the Mongols as brutal warriors.