Genghis Lords of the Bow, by Conn Iggulden, is an exciting portrayal of the Mongols’ influence on the world during the 1200s. Genghis Khan built a huge empire ranging from Eastern Europe to China and South to India (almost all of Asia!). The Mongol warriors relied on small, but strong mongolian ponies, training toughly by using bow and arrow while riding fast and drinking their horses’ blood for quick sustenance. With these relatively primitive tactics, along with looting nearby settlements for supplies, they created a huge empire that should be recognized in the history textbooks more because the Mongols really changed history.
In writing the novel, Conn Iggulden may have hoped to make the Mongols’ impact on the world more known to people because without the Mongols’ influence, our world (especially Asia) may not be as diverse as it is now. When Genghis ruled, his leadership was strong and ruthless to maintain stability, but he allowed incredible toleration for other races and religions! He ensured a safe trading along the Silk Road, previously infested with ambushing barbarians and pirates. All these actions encouraged a cultural diffusion boom with different peoples, especially a mix between European and East Asian cultures. Can you imagine what the world would be like if the Europeans never had had contact with East Asia? Mixed European/East Asian races would not exist. Our world would be boring and plain; there would be less cultural interaction we see in Asia today. Asian continental trade would not be as vast as today’s diverse trade network.
If not for Genghis Khan, say ‘Goodbye’ to your present lifestyle. Without Genghis, a brutal ruler could have arisen to power and terrorized the world for an indeterminate amount of time.
In writing the novel, Conn Iggulden may have hoped to make the Mongols’ impact on the world more known to people because without the Mongols’ influence, our world (especially Asia) may not be as diverse as it is now. When Genghis ruled, his leadership was strong and ruthless to maintain stability, but he allowed incredible toleration for other races and religions! He ensured a safe trading along the Silk Road, previously infested with ambushing barbarians and pirates. All these actions encouraged a cultural diffusion boom with different peoples, especially a mix between European and East Asian cultures. Can you imagine what the world would be like if the Europeans never had had contact with East Asia? Mixed European/East Asian races would not exist. Our world would be boring and plain; there would be less cultural interaction we see in Asia today. Asian continental trade would not be as vast as today’s diverse trade network.
If not for Genghis Khan, say ‘Goodbye’ to your present lifestyle. Without Genghis, a brutal ruler could have arisen to power and terrorized the world for an indeterminate amount of time.
