The Horde: How The Mongols Changed The World

An epic history of the Mongols as we have never seen them―not just conquerors but also city builders, diplomats, and economic thinkers who constructed one of the most influential empires in history. The Mongols are widely known for conquest. In the first comprehensive history of the Horde, Marie Favereau shows that their accomplishments extended far beyond war. The Horde, the western portion of the Mongol empire that arose after Chinggis Khan's death, was a force of global development for three hundred years, influencing Europe, Russia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Favereau takes us inside one of the most powerful sources of cross-border integration in history, illustrating how the Horde facilitated exchanges across thousands of miles and fostered an economic order that was mobile, organized, and innovative. From its capital at Sarai, the Horde provided a governance model for Russia, influenced social and state practices across Islamic cultures, disseminated sophisticated theories, and promoted religious tolerance.