He actually captured the minds of
his people quite well. He was an
extremely enlightened leader for
his day and age. He brought
religious teachers and leaders from
all over his Empire, and allowed
debate within his court by these
men. But religious strife within
his realms was forbidden. He
enforced religious tolerance. His
government was also a meritocracy.
While his family became a dynasty,
one could move up to very high
ranks from the lowest pauper, based
upon ability.
What doomed the Mongol Empire was
when the Kha Khan was gone, and
later generations broke the empire
apart.
His warfare was brutally ruthless,
but so effective that many cities
surrendered at the mere sight of
his armies. Those cities were left
unpillaged, and often the
leadership of the city was left in
place. Such cities had simply to
submit to the rule of Khan and were
spared. The fear his armies
invoked was such a good
psychological weapon that many
lived who might otherwise have
died.
02 Mar 2008 12:52
I would consider him a great
warrior and conqueror, even leader.
But maybe not a leader of hearts. I
would imagine many people did not
love a conqueror in their land. Has
anyone ever conquered a great part
of a continent and captured the
peoples hearts?
Guest 
