The Khans had always had little regard for the native scholars and the artists. They thought they were not worthy so they placed them in the categories with beggars and tramps. Calling people beggars and tramps is inconsiderate and disrespectful. Also it makes people especially them feel bad and there confidence must drop. The scholars were scared to write about their feelings because they thought that the Mongols might have a problem with their writing and sentences them to an unpleasant punishment. This shows that they were scared to do something wrong because they would get a harsh punishment.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Overland trade
Trade was used by the Chinese and the Mongols to get supplies that they needed but didn't have in there province. The only way anyone could get the supplies they had to have a paizu (an official "tablet of authority"). It was made of wood, copper, or gold. The words inscribed on it were "By the strength of the eternal Heaven, sacred by the name of Khan. Let him that pays him not reverence be killed". The silk road was located between China and Europe. At the time of Genghis Khan the Mongols held all the land along the entire length of the silk road. Because of the Mongols the silk road was under one authority for the first and only time. Marco Polo was the famous traveler of the Silk road and he could speak Turkic which enabled him to speak directly to Khan. This made more successful trade for him and the people.
The Yuan Dynasty and Its Culture
The Yuan Dynasty was rich and culture. The major cultural achievements were the development of drama and books. Trades between East and West flourished after given the unified rule of central Asia. Because of the Mongols great connections produced a fair amount of cultural exchange. The Chinese were introduced to western instruments. Because of this the conversion to Islam by Muslims of Central Asia has brought more and more Chinese to the northwest and the southwest region. Many religions were introduced and tolerated, yet Lamaism (Tibetan Buddhism) flourished. They got results in the fields of travel literature, cartography , and geography , and scientific education. Chinese innovations, such as printing techniques, porcelain production, playing cards, and medical literature, were introduced in Europe while making glass and cloisonne became popular in China. The most famous traveler was Marco Polo at the time and the Great Khan's capital (now Beijing ), and of life there astounded the people of Europe.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Invention Of Paper
The invention created during the time of the Yuan Dynasty was paper. At first the Chinese used bones, tortoise shells, and bamboo slips. But, they realized that they needed something better they needed paper! First they tried making paper out of hemp and silk but, the quality was far from satisfactory. Besides these two materials could be used for some other invention. Even books were for reading and for weights because the materials that they used made them so heavy! The materials that they used at the time were wood or bamboo slips. In 105 A.D. Cai Lun invented paper out of worn fishnet, bark, and cloth. The materials that he used could be found at a much lower cost so that large quantities of paper could be produced. The art of paper making was brought all over the world and finally ended up in India in the eleventh century when Chinese monks journeyed there in search of Buddhist sutras.
Interview with Genghis Khan
Reporter – Good afternoon Genghis Khan. Thanks for being here. I had a few questions for you.
Genghis- Sure, let’s get to it.
Reporter- Genghis Khan how did you become emperor?
Genghis- As a Mongol and having our country defeated by the Chinese army. I felt that I had to fight back for my country and for my dad who inspired me to take over all these countries including China. So I did and I took over and became the first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty.
Reporter- What did you do to help your success during your time as emperor?
Genghis- Well, one success that help my empire was taking over ever country I could get my hands on helped my empire by letting people know that I was serious about my ruling of emperor and that I could handle the job, even if I was given the position or not.
Reporter-While you were emperor did you have any troubles?
Genghis- Yes I did have many troubles along the way to conquer China. One problem that I had was that I wanted to establish trade routes with the Persian Empire to the west, but the Persian empire didn't want anything to do with it. I was very angry after that occurred so I decided to begin my westward campaign.
Reporter- How did you manage to get into China without people knowing?
Genghis- Well, it was tricky but, my army and I snuck through the Great Wall to get into China and to take over every city in China. We had followed the Jurchen soldiers and they helped us takeover China by simply showing us the way. I would just like to say thanks to the Chinese soldiers for helping us out with taking over their country.
Reporter- When you were little what did they teach you about war and fighting for your country?
Genghis- Well, when i was three my mother taught me how to ridge a gentle horse. Also shortly after I got my first bow and arrow. By the time I was ten I could shoot a moving target while guiding the mount with my legs. From fourteen till you are sixty you have to ready to jump on your horse and go support your country.
Reporter- Thank you for cooperating and answering those questions and have a good day!
Genghis- No problem, and thank you for interviewing me!
The Map Of China During The Yuan Dynasty
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Mongols Invade China
At eleven thirty in the morning the Mongols had started to invade
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