Author: Jack Weatherford
Think about the images that come to your head when you hear the word "Mongol." For me it was the bad guys in the Mulan Disney movie. Ruthless warriors who drank the blood from their own horses s0 they wouldn't have to stop riding. I also heard that Genghis Khan had tons of living descendants because he raped every woman in every city that he destroyed. I knew the mongols invaded China and Europe and they were around a long time ago.
I was wrong about a lot. The Mongols did create the largest Empire in world history, but the flavor of their reign was of a much different tone than that of ruthless warriors. Under Genghis Khan, his followers had religious freedom. He abolished torture as punishment. He expanded global trade and communication, eventually spurring on the renaissance. Way ahead of his time in military tactics, human rights, and politics.
This book is a must read for lovers of history and those interested in hearing the real story.
1 comment:
This book is SO amazing! It completely changed my understanding of that historical period. Fascinating and HUGELY recommended.
--Aniko
Post a Comment