MONGOL EMPIRE Geography Origin in Central Asia; steppes North is the Siberian Forest South is the Gobi Desert Conquer outside of Central Asia to E. Europe, Middle East, Russia and China Stretches from Sea of Japan to Caspian Sea (under Kublai Khan) Religion Originally, worshiped a god “Mongke Koko Tengri” Animal spirits (totems) Mongols practiced tolerance Respect for others and their customs & beliefs Believed that there was truth to each religion Buddhism, Christianity, Daoism, Christianity, Islam & Judaism Achievements Skilled Horsemanship Advantage over enemies Hands free for weapons Move quicker Military Weapons; catapults & gunpowder Army organized into units (chain of command) Communication calls Cultural Written language Reopening of the Silk Road; exchange of ideas Travelers can pass through freely Missionaries welcomed