Golden+Horde2



** Golden Horde **


Above is written the words "Golden Horde" followed by a map of the Empire of the Golden Horde.

**Golden Horde** What is Golden Horde? The Golden Horde is designated by Russia as the Mongolian khanate—political entity ruled by a khan—established after the Mongol invasion of Russia in the 1240s. At it’s zenith, the territory of the Golden Horde included most of Eastern Europe and south to Siberia and the Black Sea.


 * Where did the name originate?** The origins of “Golden Horde” are unknown, although it is believed that the name refers to the camp of Batu Khan. It is derived from the Mongolian phrase Altan Orda which is translated as “golden camp” or “golden palace.”


 * What are the origins of the Golden Horde?** At the death of Genghis Khan, the Mongolian empire was divided among his four sons. The eldest son, Jochi, died six months before Genghis, therefore the remaining lands went to Genghis’ oldest sons, Batu Khan and Orda Khan. Batu began his westward invasions in 1235 and then invaded northward as his cousins invaded southward.


 * The People.** The people of the Golden Horde were both Turks and Mongols. The Horde was gradually “turkified,” losing its Mongol origins.

**SPRITE **



 * Social.** The Horde, which was previously a nomadic society, finally became a more settled civilization. The capital of the empire—Saria Berqe—became one of the largest medieval cities with near 600,000 inhabitants. During the Mongolian Empire there were two different food groups: white foods for summer (dairy) and red foods for winter(meat).


 * Political.** As the Horde slowly lost its Mongol roots, the people of direct Mongolian descendants became the leaders, commonly known as Tatars. The Horde’s supreme leaders were the Khan chosen from Batu Khan’s descendants. The prime minister—also with Mongolian roots—was known as the “prince of princes” or the beklare-bek. The ministers were called viziers and local governors—or basqaqs—were in charge of levying tribute from the more civilized people of the area.


 * Religion.** Though Russia attempted to proselytize the empire, the Mongols held to their animist beliefs until Uzbeg Khan adopted Islam. Thus, Russia remained under the influence of both Muslim and Asian culutures simutaneously. There are a few reports of Russians being assassinated, the Mongols were generally tolerant of the beliefs of the Russian Orthodox Church.


 * Intellectual.** The main quality of the Golden Horde's intellectual developments was there ability to adopt and adapt other's technology for their benefit. The Mongols were also one of the first civilizations to truly domesticate the horse and use it for their advantage. To the Mongols the horse was a symbol of both power and loyalty. The Mongols use of the horse changed world history in that they were put to use for the vast and powerful armies of the Mongols who successful concured most of Asia during their time. The Mongolian Empire was also the first known empire to use paper currency, as discovered by Marco Polo. In the Mongolian Empire women had the power to influence society. Many males, though still the dominant sex, looked to women for advice. Marriage, to the Mongols, was considered the entrance into adulthood and was therefore regarded with intricate ceremonies.


 * Trade/Technology.** The Horde carried on trade with Genoese empires on the Black Sea, including Soldaia, Caffa, and Azak. Their longest lasting trade partner, as well as their largest ally, was Mamluk Egypt Economic System.


 * What caused the fall of the Golden Horde?** The Black Death of the 1340s played a large role in the disintegration of the Golden Horde. After the death of Jani Beg, the empire fell into a disastrous civil war. Many of the civilizations under the empire began to resist Horde control. When Horde leaders attempted to execute their power over Russia once again, they were defeated.

-"Empire of the Golden Horde", The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition, 2001-05. -Keller, Carol A. "Khanate of the Golden Horde (Kipchak)." __Khanate of the Golden Horde (Kipchak)__. 2001. San Antonio College History Department. 3 Feb. 2009 http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/Mongols/states3.html. -"Wedding Customs." __Traditions__. 2007. Cultural China. 3 Feb. 2009 http://traditions.cultural-china.com/en/115Traditions2215.html
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