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This class will explore through readings and visuals, the empire built by the Mongols in the 13th century -- the largest land empire in the world. All readings will be from translated primary sources of the 13th and 14th centuries, written by the Mongols themselves and also by Persian, Chinese, Syriac, European, and other peoples that fought, allied, or traded with the Mongol conquerors. The course will explore the Mongols, the most spectacular example of the nomadic conquerors who played such a large role in all Eurasian history, and survey how their empire affected themselves and the peoples they conquered. By using primary sources, the course will also provide a survey of civilizations in Eurasia in the 13th and 14th centuries, and give a hands-on example of how historians build historical knowledge from varied sources.
Readings: Dawson, ed., Mission to Asia; Latham, trans., Travels of Marco Polo; De Rachewiltz, trans., Secret History of the Mongols; course packet.
Web site: www.indiana.edu/~ceus/courses/mongol_conquest.shtml
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