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→Mongol Conquests
The Mongol conquests initiated by Genghis Khan, who united the often warring Mongol and Turkic tribes, in 1206 and continuing through his successors until the end of 13th century launched a period of unprecedented destruction and transformation for Eurasia. At surface value, the destruction during the 13th century when these conquests took place was immense. Some have estimated that the Mongol invasions killed more people than any other war if one adjusted for global population levels, where up to 5% of the planet may have been killed during the invasions. Additionally, the invasions have been suggested as helping to begin the spread of the Black Death plague, as tactics and movements of population may have helped the bacteria to more easily spread. Many of the great cities in East Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia were either destroyed or lost much of their cultural property. Cities as diverse as Kiev, Nishapur, Samarkand, and Baghdad were heavily damaged or destroyed. In some countries, it is estimated that nearly half the population died in the invasions and aftermath.<ref>For more on the conquests by the Mongols, see: Saunders, J. J. (2001). <i>The history of the Mongol conquests.</i> Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press.</ref>
While the Mongol strategy appeared cruel, it was also intended to avoid major setbacks due to their relatively small numbers. The major advantage the Mongols had was their ability to rapidly deploy and attack before their enemies had time to organize. HoweverThe Mongols were often greatly outnumbered, but through divide and conquer tactics, deception, and superior tactical management, they were able to defeat enemies that looked far stronger on paper. Additionally, to avoid revolts and other problems in areas they had already conquered, the Mongol strategy also included reducing these areas to the point where they could not be a threat again. This was not a universal policy, as Mongols did offer cities a chance to surrender and if they refused then their penalty was often harsh in the near total destruction of the population. <ref>For more on Mongol war tactics, see: May, T. M. (2007). <i>The Mongol art of war: Chinggis Khan and the Mongol military system.</i> Yardley, Penn: Westholme.</ref>
While the conquest of the Mongols peaked in the 13th century, they did continue to invade and attack various regions long after this time. In the 14th-15th centuries, China and Iran continued to be under Mongol control, while the Mughal state in India lasted into the 19th century and was influenced by the earlier Mongol invasions. Many of the key trade cities along the Silk Road and regions in China did initially decline due to the invasion but the situation soon changed as much of Eurasia remained pacified for much of the 13th-14th centuries, leading to regained prosperity along parts of the Silk Road.<ref>For more on the political effects of the Mongols, see: Reid, S. (1994). <i>The silk and spice routes. Cultures and civilizations.</i> London: Belitha Press : UNESCO Pub.
