Introduction
The Mongol rule spanned a large portion of Asia and Europe from the late 13th century to the mid-14th century, during which major events occurred, including the rise and fall of Genghis Khan and the devastating Black Death. During this period, a complex interplay of environmental factors, structural influences, and individual agency shaped the course of history. The question of how much of this interplay was due to “nature setting the table” is an important one, and this essay will explore the impact of environmental, structural, and individual factors on three key events during the Mongol period.
Natural Environment of the Mongol Period
The Mongol Empire was a significant force in Eurasia and the Middle East for centuries, significantly impacting the spread of the Black Death, also known as the plague. It was an expansive empire that stretched from Central Asia to Eastern Europe and the Middle East, and its rulers, who were nomads, often relocated their populations from place to place, carrying with them the fleas and rodents that carried the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which caused the Black Death (Spyrou 7190). In addition, the environment of the period was characterized by overcrowded cities, poor sanitation, and unsanitary living conditions, creating a perfect environment for the spread of disease (Green 65). The Mongols’ nomadic lifestyle was a structural factor in the spread of the disease. Still, the environment also enabled it, as the steppe regions of Central Asia provided the perfect conditions for the nomadic lifestyle.
Structural Factors and Human Agency
Through its imperial policies, the Mongol Empire was a major contributor to the spread of the Black Death. For example, the Mongol rulers often imposed brutal punishments on those who resisted their rule, such as execution or exile, which led to the displacement of large numbers of people (Favereau 26). This displacement then led to the spread of the disease as people moved from place to place, bringing fleas and rodents with them. This structural factor was enabled by the individual agency of the Mongol rulers, who had the power to impose these policies.
The Black Death was facilitated by the cultural norms and beliefs of the Mongol Empire, contributing to its spread. During this period, the Mongols believed that death from illness was a sign of divine punishment and thus viewed it as a sign of weakness (Green 68). Such a belief led to a cultural norm of not taking precautions against the spread of the disease, such as avoiding contact with the sick or burying the dead. The environment enabled this individual agency, as the belief was likely a result of the harsh conditions in the steppe regions of Central Asia and the limited understanding of the disease’s causes.
Conclusion
During the Black Death, the Mongol Empire played a significant role in Eurasia and the Middle East, significantly facilitating the transmission of the disease. The complex interactions between environment, structural factors, and individual agency were key in understanding how “nature set the table” for the spread of the Black Death. The environment provided the conditions for the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongols. Structural factors included imperial policies and cultural norms, while individual agency encompassed the decisions and actions of the Mongol rulers. Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for comprehending the historical significance of the Mongol Empire in the spread of the Black Death.
Works Cited
Favereau, Marie. The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World. Harvard University Press, 2021.
Green, Monica H. “Putting Asia on the Black Death Map.” The Medieval Globe, vol. 8 no. 1, 2022, pp. 61-89. Project MUSE. Web.
Spyrou, Maria et al. “The source of the Black Death in fourteenth-century central Eurasia.” Nature, vol. 606, 718–724 (2022). Web.