The Mongols were pagan, horse-riding tribes of the northeastern steppes of Central Asia. In the early 13th century, under the leadership of Genghis Khan, they formed, led, and gave their name to a confederation of Turkic tribes that they channeled into a movement of global expansion, spreading east into China, north into Russia, and west into Islāmdom. Like other migratory peoples before them, Arabs, Berbers, and Turks, they had come to be involved in citied life through their role in the caravan trade. Unlike others, however, they did not convert to Islām before their arrival. Furthermore, they brought a greater hostility to sedentary civilization, a more ferocious military force, a more cumbersome material culture, a more complicated and hierarchical social structure, and a more coherent sense of tribal law. Their initial impact was physically more destructive than that of previous invaders, and their long-term impact perhaps more socially and politically creative.
Berber-dynasties-of-North-Africa-13th-14th-centuryBerber (Amazigh) dynasties of North Africa, 13th–14th century.[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Principal-kingdoms-and-peoples-of-western-Africa-11th-16th-centuryPrincipal kingdoms and peoples of western Africa, 11th–16th century.[Credits : From J. Fage, An Atlas of African History; Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.]
Principal-kingdoms-and-peoples-of-western-Africa-17th-19th-centuryPrincipal kingdoms and peoples of western Africa, 17th–19th century.[Credits : From J. Fage, An Atlas of African History; Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd.]
The-extent-of-Christianity-during-the-period-of-the-CrusadesThe extent of Christianity during the period of the Crusades.[Credits : From F. W. Putzger, Historischer Weltatlas]
Early-Muslim-IndiaEarly Muslim India (c. 1200–c. 1500).[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Mathematicians-of-the-Islamic-world-This-map-spans-more-thanMathematicians of the Islamic world[Credits : Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.]
Christian-and-Islamic-states-in-Spain-in-910Christian and Islamic states in Spain in 910.[Credits : Adapted from W. Shepherd, Historical Atlas; Barnes & Noble Books,ì New York]
Spain-in-1037Spain in 1037.[Credits : Adapted from W. Shepherd, Historical Atlas; Barnes & Noble Books,ì New York]
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