If You Can’t, Genghis Khan!

Lets uncover the amazing story of one of the world’s most misunderstood conquerors and the lasting influence of his legacy. Experience the world of the Mongolian Empire.

Objectives and StandardsLesson Objectives

• Using primary and secondary sources, students will determine who Genghis Khan was, describe some of Genghis Khans accomplishments, and summarize life during the Mongolian Empire.

Common Core State Standards in Social

Studies

• Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of the source distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

Genghis Khan Lesson Activities

Tuesday-Wednesday• Anticipatory Guide• Novice Ideas• Virtual Field Trip, “If You Can’t, Genghis Khan!” • Exit Slip

Thursday• Field trip to Field Museum, Genghis Khan Exhibition• Foldable on Genghis Kahn

Friday• Film Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Kahn.• Assessment on Lesson

We will be able to answer the following questions by the end of the lesson:

• Who was Genghis Khan?

• What is his legacy? • What was it like to live

during the Mongolian Empire?

Words we need to know!

• Nomad• A member of a group of people who have no fixed home and move from place to place in search of food, water, and grazing land.

Words we need to know!

• Ger• a low cylindrical structure made of felt (matted and compressed wool) supported by a wooden accordion-like frame.

• The Mongol GerVideo Gallery | Genghis Khan

Words we need to know!• Tribe• A group of people united by ties of a common ancestor, community of customs and traditions, adherence to the same leaders, etc.

Words we need to know!• Mongolian Empire• Existed during the 13th and 14th A.D. Beginning in the Central Asian grasslands, it eventually stretched from Eastern Europe to the Sea of Japan, covering large parts of Siberia in the north and extending southward into Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. It is commonly referred to as the largest contiguous empire in the history of the world.

•Map of Mongol EmpireFile:Mongol Empire map.gif - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Words we need to know!• Mongols• Central-East Asian ethnic group that lives mainly in the countries of Mongolia, China, and Russia.

•Mongolian EthnicMongolia Ethnic | People

Childhood• Like many of the nomads of

Mongolia, Temujin's early life was difficult. His father arranged a marriage for him, at nine years of age. He was delivered by his father to the family of his future wife Börte, who was a member of another the tribe. As his father returned home, he was poisoned and died. Upon learning about his father’s death, Temujin returned home to claim his father's position as chieftain of the tribe; however, his father's tribe refused to be led by a boy so young.

My name is Temujin.

Later I will become

known as Genghis Kahn.

Childhood• For the next several

years, he lived in poverty, surviving on wild fruits and ox carcasses, marmots, hunted by Temujin and his brothers. It was during one hunting excursion that 10-year-old Temujin killed his half-brother, Behter, during a fight which resulted from a dispute over hunting spoils. He later returned to his wife’s tribe, at the age of 12, in order to maintain an alliance.

The Name, The Legend• While still a teenager,

Temujin was able to unite the Mongol clans. Together, they began to overpower other warring tribes in the region, among them the Tatar, Naiman, and Merkid. Overcoming rival tribes was a long struggle, but eventually the Mongols dominated the region. Later, tribal leaders agreed to peace and bestowed on Temujin the title of "Genghis Khan," which means "universal ruler."

Rise of the Mongols• Genghis built his army by

forming strong alliances, rewarding loyalty and bringing defeated warriors into his band. The army used specialized horses, bows and arrows, and swords. His campaigns were often accompanied by wholesale massacres of the civilian populations.

• Mongol Siege Tactics Video Gallery | Genghis Khan

Mongolian Armored Warriors and Horse

Khan’s Legacy• Genghis Khan died in 1227 at age 65, during the

second war against the Chinese kingdom of Xi Xia. Prior to, he had contributed vastly to Mongolian life:

• a system of laws • messenger system• paper money• the first passport • adopted a writing system• promoted religious tolerance in the Mongol Empire• created a unified empire from the nomadic tribes

of northeast Asia • Genghis Khan OverviewVideo Gallery | Genghis Khan

Diplomatic Passport

Life in the Mongolian Empire• The five domestic animals

most important in the Mongolian Empire were horses, cattle, camels, sheep, and goats. These animals were valued for their milk and hides were used for clothing and shelter.

• There was a uniform type of Mongol dress though variations according to wealth, status, and gender did occur. These differences included the design, color, cut, and elaborateness of the outfit.

• Mongolian women had the power to influence society. Even though men were dominant in society, many turned to women in their lives for advice.

Shaman’s Robe

Exit SlipDirections: Answer the following questions in your own words.

1. Who was Genghis Khan?

2. What is his legacy? 3. What was it like to live during the Mongolian Empire?