This assignment consists of two parts. Part 1 is a review of a modern rock video. Part 2 is a reading and video assignment with questions that follow. Please submit both answers in a single document.
Part One:
Watch this video from the modern Mongolian rock band Hu on Genghis Khan. Be sure to turn on sub-titles for the translation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pD1gDSao1eA&feature=share&app=desktop (Links to an external site.)
In a short paragraph, what did you think of it? Does it give you a sense of who Genghis Khan was? Or do you think that it may glorify him with typical tales of savagery and butchery? What did you think about the style of traditional throat singing? The cinematography?
If you found this video interesting, I would suggest this one for the stunning scenes of Mongolia and classical instruments mixed with modern instruments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4xZUr0BEfE (Links to an external site.)
Part Two:
1. Read these pages: 355-359
2. Watch this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhvOL2lTwfk&t=889s (Links to an external site.)
Answer these questions in complete sentences with evidence from the documentary. Use citations or time stamps. Use complete sentences and your best writing.
1. What was Genghis Khan’s childhood like?
2. What was the Secret History and how reliable of a historical source is it for understanding Mongol history? Who wrote it, and what bias might it have?
3. Why did the Mongols seem unstoppable on the battlefield? What kind of armor did they have and why was it effective?
4. Explain the Mongol composite bow. Why was it so powerful?
5. Explain the historical importance of the siege of Merv. Are the historians correct in the number of dead? Why or why not? Is it possible to separate myth from fact?
6. Why did Genghis Khan attack the Tanguts? What military tactic did he use?
7. What is the significance of modern DNA and Genghis Khan? Be specific.
8. Finally, what assessment would you give Genghis Khan on the scale of Ancients Behaving Badly? Is it possible to separate myth from legend from fact?
