10 A Whole New World

Chapter 9 A Whole New World In the spring of 1215, the Mongols were treated to a dazzling sight when their soldiers returned from China. Seemingly endless caravans of camels and oxcarts poured onto the steppe, loaded with more treasure than anyone had thought possible. Rugs and blankets. Wall hangings and

cushions. There was so much silk, it was used as packing material. Cords of silk were twisted together to make rope. The silks came in more colors than the Mongols even knew existed. Barrels of wine, honey, and black tea. Porcelain bowls, bronze knives, and iron weapons. Metal stirrups for the Mongols' warhorses. Beautiful furniture for their felt-walled gers. Jewelry made from precious stones, pearls, and coral. Perfumes and makeup. Board games and wooden puppets. The world's riches flowed onto the remote steppe of the Great Mongol Nation. There was so much loot that buildings had to be constructed to store everything. Thousands of captured people followed the bountiful caravans. Acrobats, magicians, jugglers, and musicians. Doctors and pharmacists. Artists, writers, and translators. These people were the Mongols' "human treasure," and although they were servants, they were treated well.

Genghis Khan divided the loot among the Mongols. His people had never known such comfort and luxury. But all this came at a price. Over the next few years, the Mongols got used to "the good life." They wanted more, and different, luxury goods. Their "human treasure" also needed to be fed

and housed. Craftsmen required raw materials such as wood, gold, and clay. Genghis Khan had fought for years to unite the steppe tribes in peace. Now he had new responsibilities. He decided to expand trade with the wealthy Muslim empire of Khwarizm. But first, he had to decide who would rule the empire when he died.