Title of the book: The secret history o the Mongols
Original title: Yuan ch’ao Pi Shin
Author's
name: The original book written in Mongolian author is unknown. The
book to which I refer is an adaptation by Paul Kahn of the translation
by Francis Woodman Cleves.
ISBN: 0-86547-138-x
Original language: English
Translated by: Francis Woodman Cleves
Cover designed by: John Hangan
Genre: Historical
Editorial: North point press
Years editions: 1984
Year of Reading: 2016
Additional Information:
It
has taken me many years to find a book that approaches the original, (I
know I do not speak Mongolian and that is the problem) I am still
looking for the translation by Francis Woodman Cleves, but it is not so
easy.
You know if the book does not begin with the following phrase
is not original; A blue wolf took as his spouse a fallow doe. They
settled at the head of the Onon River. And there were born the Mongols.
And so were born the Mongols (more or less)
I have taken the liberty of creating a trilogy, to make a dive in the unknown history of the Mongol Empire.
I
recommend that you read first The Secret History of the Mongols, then
the Secret History of the Mongol Queens and finally The Art of War of
the Mongols: Genghis Khan and Mongol military system.
If you follow this chronology going to see how fascinating and unknown that was the Mongol Empire. I hope you like it.
Summary of the book:
This
is the book that only the Mongol nobility could read it. It is very
interesting, I will not deny that it is a little slow, but if we put
away the mystic moments, it is a book that gives a lot of information
about the life of the Mongols. Especially the barbarities and exploits
of Genghis Khan and his successors, to build one of the greatest empires
of human history.
It explains the hierarchical system, the
slavery, alliances through weddings, war against a common enemy or anda
oaths, (under which men became blood brothers)
It also introduces you
to the war tactics of the Mongols, which were avalanche on the enemy
with rains of arrows, and then retire and if they were followed. Lead
the enemy troops into an ambush which was communicating with the naqara,
(one huge drum that was carried to battle on a camel) introduced us to
the feared Mongol bow which holds the world record for the longest shot,
defeating even the most modern arches and built with high technology.
Similarly we discussed the new emblem of the empire would be nine strips
of yak hair.
One thing I like is that it brings maps detailing the locations of the history of the Mongols. It helps orient you dare history.
It
is also very comfortable glossary because it brings a detailed list of
names and persons appearing in history as a family tree.
The book
follows the Chinese lunar calendar is represented by the Chinese zodiac
and its twelve animals, this can be a bit confusing but in the glossary
have a conversion table.
Unlike the original version that contains
twelve chapters, this book is divided into five chapters only, (the
previous division does not follow any criterion) are as follows:
1 The heritage and youth of Genghis Khan
In
this chapter we enter the origin of the Mongols from the mythological
beginning until Temujin chief of his tribe, in the same way the main
characters are introduced, he proclaims also tells us the problems of
the neighboring villages of the special the Tatars, whether as is put on
stage that leads to wars that will happen soon.
2 The wars in Mongolia
In
this chapter, we will see that there are relationships or wars that are
flattering to Temujin for a while, and then become a situation that
discourages or conflict. With rival tribes or individuals who do not
accept Temujin, as the leader.
More detailed of stories is the
relationship of friendship and then hate with Jamugha, with which it has
entered into an oath of anda, which also dies at the end of this
chapter. (I will not say how)
This chapter Temujin became Genghis
Khan, emerges victorious of all wars and becomes the leader of the
Mongol horde and also several others like the Tartars.
3 The developing empire
In
this chapter, we start with the great assembly of the Year of the Tiger
or 1206, in which all the tribes of Central Asia accept Genghis as
Khan, we will see the discuss of distribution of rewards to loyal
leaders of Genghis Khan .
We will also see, how an empire is
organized with special emphasis on the military side. Which you will
read a series of letters or documents from the leaders to Genghis Khan.
4 The wars in Cathay and the West
In
this chapter, we will discover the achievements of Genghis Khan on
China, which first offered a peace or an alliance that did not comply,
trigger a total conquest of China way the Mongols, which was very
beneficial for the Mongols, because gave them a access to a wide range
of technology specially militated, which was used in the campaigns of
Persia.
Persian felt very secure, they had an army of almost half a
million men, and in the ranks of the Mongols was not even two hundred
thousand men, also had fortified cities, all this stage allowed the
Khwarazm Sha, underestimating the Mongolians attack, refusing to pay
taxes or get any alliance with them. We will read about taking many
cities, especially Samarkand, (which was the Persian capital) that was
supposed to bear the attack and siege of the Mongol forces for a year,
and it was taken in just five days, thanks to the technology-acquired China.
We
are introduced to the plans of Genghis Khan to the conquest the
Russian, which are made by Subotai Ba'atur, (who was the chief
strategist and lieutenant of Genghis Khan) belonging to the herd of
reindeer. Russian territories are disorganized and Genghis Khan expects
that Subotai Ba'atur can submit all of them, one by one.
After
annexing Russia Persia and Mesopotamia, Genghis Khan has created an
empire of more than 11,000 kilometers from the Pacific Ocean to the
Black Sea, now all he has to do is conquer Europe.
This chapter ends
with the death of Genghis Khan at 80 years, which is a slow agony, this
happens in militated campaign against the Tanghut in 1227.
5 The reign of Ogodei Khan
Start with the assembly of the Rat year, which elapses between the years 1228-1229, which chosen Ogode as the new Khan.
Ogode
Khan, begins his government resuming military campaigns in the province
of Korea, Middle East and especially in the European continent,
focusing its attack on Poland and Hungary, as they are the doors to
Europe.
We are introduced to Guyuk, Mongke, Buri and Batu. They are the following players in the history of the Mongols.
It ends with the great assembly occurs in the year of the Rat, it is where you choose to Kodegu Aral as the great Khan.
