Traditions and Encounters, 4th Edition (Bentley)

After reading the Contexts & Connections essay in this chapter, research the topic further by taking a look at the following links. Suggested essay questions follow to help you digest this material.

On The Tatars

Location: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/1220al-Athir-mongols.html

Description: William of Rubruck's description of the Tartars.

1			How does al-Athir characterize the Tartars? Based on this description, why might Mongol leaders such as Chinggis Khan have piqued the interest of former Soviet dictator Josef Stalin?

Description of the Mongols

Location: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/tartars.html

Description: Account of the Mongols in Russia.

2			As the selection Nomadic Conquerors and their Contemporary Appeal makes evident, people from regions as far apart as Mongolia and Uzbekistan associate themselves with the great Medieval Mongol conquerors. Based on the excerpt Description of the Mongols, what Mongol attributes attract contemporary observers? What explains the fact that people from such vastly scattered regions view the Mongols as their forebears?