Rayleigh scattering

Were the Mongols an enormous group of barbarians? Any one could easily say that the Mongols were a nomadic group of people, therefore they were barbarians, but the question's answer depends on the definition of barbarian you wish to use. The first definition of a barbarian is, a foreigner. The second definition of a barbarian is, a man in a rude uncivilized state. The third definition of a barbarian is , a civilized person with out culture. The last definition of a barbarian is, showing lack of restraint or refinement. The definition of a foreigner is, one not native to a place or community. The Mongols were certainly not native to the countries they over took. The Mongols took over first from the steppes of central Asia in the 13th century. Under Chinggis Khan the Mongols were able to over take Xi Xia in North China. Upon doing so the ruler of Xi-Xia was forced to become a vassal of the supreme ruler of the Mongol tribes, or also known as the khagan and pay a tribute to him. In 1215 the Mongols were able to over take Beijing under Chinggis Khan. Later the Mongol dynasty over threw they Qin empire in China. The Mongols were not used to the fortified cities at first, but soon they were able to come up with machines to get through the thick barrier walls surrounding the cities. In later years the Mongols also conquered parts of Russia and the Islamic world. Even after the death of Chinngis Khan the Mongols took over western Europe and the Middle east. The Mongols could not over take Japan or Egypt. All of this history took place over a little more than a century before the fall of the Mongols around the 1350's. The second definition of a barbarian is, a man in a rude and uncivilized state. The Mongols were rude and uncivil people to other groups of people, but differently towards each other. The Mongols treated there lords more with more respect and obedience than any where else in the world. They rarely fought amongst each other. There were few robbers and theives in the Mongol society. Chinggis Khan had little respect for the people of the cities that he conquered. When the inhabitants of the cities resisted Mongol attacks the Mongols would sell the townspeople to slavery, or kill them. The houses, palaces, mosques, and temples the Chinese people had once enjoyed were reduced to ruble. Batu, a grandson of Chinggis Khan killed a Grand Duke of Russia for not bowing south to the dead Chinggis Kahn. A knight that was present at the killing gave words of encouragement to the duke, and was also killed for his actions. The Mongols lacked a book of religious law. The Mongols did have a couple of traditions to live by and things they knew not to do. Some of these well known laws or traditions were, you could not catch or kill young birds, no pouring milk or other drinks into the ground, and not to urinate inside a tent, if you did, your life would be taken for such a crime. Things not considered wrong or against the law were invading countries and taking people's property against all the rules of law, prostitution, killing people, and disregarding God's commandments. The Mongols knew nothing of eternal life, or damnation for ever. This is probably why they were such a ruthless group. Calling the Mongols a barbarian under this definition depends on if you are talking about their culture towards each other or people they were conquering. The third definition of a barbarian is a civil person with out culture. The Mongols were not very civil, but they did have culture. The Mongols lifestyle was bred mobility, physical courage, and love for combat. This could explain why the Mongols were so organized in there taking over countries and army tactics. In marriage men could take as many wives as he could handle. Men could also marry any one he wanted except his own mother, daughter, or sister on his fathers side, other than that he was free to marry. They believed in one god, yet they did not worship him. Instead they worshipped made up idols that they made of felt, silken material, and were highly honored. Another idol the Mongols worshipped was Chinggis Khan, the emporer who started the Mongols conquest. The Mongols also worshipped the son and the moon. The Mongols jokingly would use shamefull and immodest words. Getting drunk was honorable among the Mongols. The Mongols were also messy eaters and drinkers. The Mongols were greedy people, you can tell by their history of taking over land and how they treated their victims. The Mongols would wear things like silken and golden stuffs and cotton. The poor would wear things like dog skin. The women wore the same thing as men, just longer. The fourth and last definition of a barbarian is, showing lack of restraint or refinement. The Mongols were not barbarians under this definition. They had restraint in there culture. Even though they were drunk most of the time they did not quarrel with each other or fight over dumb things. They Mongols acted very respectful towards each other which also shows they had restraint. The Mongols defiantly did not show lack of refinement. They were constantly improving there ways. They improved their siege weapons and tactics using them in north China. Under the Mongols cities flourished, and the Mongols made it easy to trade with surrounding countries because they were all under the same empire. In conclusion, the Mongols were in some ways Barbarians and in others not Barbarians, it all depends on the definition you wish you use. What ever the Mongols are classified as, they were great people who worked well together and were able to conquer much in a quick time.