Overview

The Mongols are often remembered as ruthless and marauding nomads who would let nothing stand in their way during the height of their power. This characterization is due, at least in part, to hostile historical sources that exaggerated their cruelty in an attempt to discredit them. Some descriptions of this barbarian horde, however, reflect the true nature of these people. It is difficult to separate the historical facts from propaganda, but a Westerner named Giovanni da Pian del Carpini wrote an excellent firsthand account of the Mongols called History of the Mongols Whom We Call the Tartars (1247). This work has often been cited as the best reference on the subject from this time period.

The Mongols constitute one of the principal ethnic groups in Asia. Their traditional homeland is centered in Mongolia, which...