The Dual Legacy of the Mongol Empire

Although the Mongols were a severely destructive force, because of their conquests in Persia, Russia, and China, it led to the spread of new technological innovations, diseases, and changes in society.

One way the Mongols affected Persia, China, and Russia was through conquest. In Persia, the Mongols massacred, raped, and enslaved many people, therefore altering their structured society. Similarly to that of the Persians, the Mongols also destructed the Russian states, leaving many places in complete ruin. Although the Mongols destroyed Russian states and killed many people, during this time the Eastern Orthodox Church prospered leaving a lasting impact on religion. However, in China the Mongols reshaped their silk road providing more security and access to luxury goods such as silk, porcelain, and silver. As the Mongols impacted Russia, Persia, and China through conquest, it also left a lasting impact on trade (Silk Road in China), religion (Eastern Orthodox Church in Russia), and ideas (Persia).

The Mongols spread diseases such as the black plague across Afro-Eurasia. The black plague started when ships with luxury goods were being transported, mice would eat the food on these ships, spreading diseases to the people. This left a huge impact on Europe, killing 60% of its population. Although some regions were completely wiped out, others were left untouched. Doctors during this time period were dressed in full black and had masks to cover their faces. These doctors relied on unusual techniques to try and get rid of the disease but it never seemed to work. People across Eurasia thought that they were being punished by the gods and therefore used lashes to beat themselves. Eventually, the disease went away due to natural immunity and time.

The Mongols spread technological innovations such as new weapons like hatchets and maces. Also, the Mongols developed saddles in order to maintain proper position on horses during battle. They were mainly used to provide sturdiness and mobility for people in battle.

Because of the Mongol conquest, it left reshaped many new dynasties and the global economy. For example, China had an improved scholar gentry, harder civil service exams under their bureaucratic government, and a more secure Silk Road for profitable transactions. Russia had an improved religious following under the Eastern Orthodox Church, whilst Persia impacted the Mongols themselves.