In chapter 11, Strayer explains the Mongol empire and why they were so important. The mongols didn't create elaborate cities but left an indelible mark on the historical development of the Afro-Eurasian Empire. Societies usually lived in small and scattered encampments of related kinfolk rather than in villages. The people organized themselves into clans, and lived solely on animals and manufactured goods. The Turkic language and culture spread rapidly all over Asia, and the Turks converted to Islam. They brought Islam and Turkic culture to Anatolia, and then created the Ottoman Empire. The Mongol Empire was enormous and destructive of the process and the networks of exchange and communication numbering 700,000 people. They left a cultural imprint, but didn't leave a new language, religion, or civilization. Their religion was centered around rituals invoking ancestors. The Mongols conquered, defeated, subordinate and exploited people. The Black Death reached Egypt in 1350, and the Middle East lost 1/3 of its population by the 15th century. China, Islam, and Europe also suffered a dramatic decline in population. Labor shortages provoked sharp conflict between scarce workers. Series of peasant revolts in the 14th century. Labor shortages also fostered greater interest on technological innovation. The Black Death also diminished trade networks.
In chapter 4, Strayer discusses three different solutions to how China can come back together from the violence and turmoil. One solution would consist of many rules or laws that enforced punishments if necessary. The other solution consisted of using moral examples of superiors. Finally the last solution consists of doing the opposite of what Confucius thought was the solution. India created their own religion, called Hinduism, and it grew with their civilization. The nations in South Asian were transforming into a more philosophical religion instead of the ritual sacrifice. The Buddhist challenge gave restrictions and opportunities to women. I thought it was really cool that Hinduism had ancient texts that told stories between humans and deities that taught moral obligations. Persia was looking for a religious outlook in Zoroastrianism and Judaism. Zoroastrianism includes human free will, struggle of good versus evil, a savior, and judgement day. Judaism included migration and exiles...
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