Traditionally, we have tended to see the Mongol Empire of the 13th century as, essentially, a military phenomenon, created by a people whose abilities were mainly in the areas of destruction and massacre. When it came to ruling the conquered lands which came to form the largest contiguous empire known to history, the Mongols, we have supposed, were obliged to call on the expertise of their newly-conquered subjects – Persian, Chinese, and so on – to do what they were not themselves competent to deal with. But is this view accurate, or is it founded on the impression we receive from our primary sources, almost all of which derive either from the Mongols’ conquered subjects or from their enemies? Can it be that we have tended to underestimate the Mongols?

About the speaker:
Professor David O. Morgan, professor emeritus of history of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and author of The Mongols,will speak on nature of the Mongol Empire in Iran (13th century).

*Please note this is a change to the previously advertised speaker.

The lecture is free, but places are strictly limited and MUST be reserved in advance by email