• Major Nomadic Groups of Eurasia
    • Xiongnu Confederation
      • AKA the Huns
      • Invaded Western Rome and Han China
    • Turks
      • Conquered Asia minor (Anatolia and stuff)
      • Conquered Abbasid Caliphate
      • Conquered Byzantine Empire
      • Established Sultanate of Delhi (India)
    • Mongols
      • Dominated most of Eurasia more than anyone else
  • What type of climates spawned nomadic societies?
    • Dry parts!
    • Cannot support intensive farming
    • Grass is a huge part of survival
    • Animals eat the grass
    • Humans eat the animals
    • Herd animals are extremely crucial
      • Horses and sheep
        • Armor & Clothes
          • Hide and skin
        • Weapons
        • Storage
        • Food
          • Grass to meat and milk
        • Tools
          • Bone, sinew
          • Horn (bows!)
      • Super fast movement (transportation)
      • Shelter (tents)
    • Consequences of climate and biology
      • Few material possessions!
        • Lack of resources!
        • Heavy/bulky
    • Relationships to other civilizations
      • Oases settlements provide manufactured necessities
      • The nomads were perfectly situated to carry out long-distance trade
      • Nomads would trade,extort, or pillage settled societies
  • Socio-Political Structures
    • Clan/tribe based!
    • Organized by kinship
    • Geared towards efficient migration
    • Leadership
      • Based on charisma, booty, personal leadership
      • Familial BUT also merit-based
      • Frequent feuding/infighting
  • Case Study of of a Mongol Warrior
jan 20 2016 ∞
jan 20 2016 +