Mongols Destroy the Baghdad Caliphate
The Mongols came from northwest Asia. They put Baghdad under siege in 1258. They were led by the grandson of Genghis Khan ("Great Chief"), a man named Hulagu.
After a month of siege, the Caliph of Baghdad sent Hulaga presents and an offer of surrender. Hulaga offered clemency in order to secure a peaceful surrender of Baghdad. The Mongols entered Baghdad without resistance on February 13, 1258.
Treacherously, the Mongols proceeded over the next 40 days to kill the 800,000 residents of Baghdad, one of the most notorious and largest massacres of all time.
A nomadic people, the Mongols pillaged the city and moved on, never trying to settle anywhere. They planned to eventually return to Mongolia.
The Baghdad Caliphate was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time, the result of Arab conquests during the rise of Mohammedanism. Its destruction marked the beginning of the decline of the Moslem world.
Source: The Age of Faith, Will Durant
After a month of siege, the Caliph of Baghdad sent Hulaga presents and an offer of surrender. Hulaga offered clemency in order to secure a peaceful surrender of Baghdad. The Mongols entered Baghdad without resistance on February 13, 1258.
Treacherously, the Mongols proceeded over the next 40 days to kill the 800,000 residents of Baghdad, one of the most notorious and largest massacres of all time.
A nomadic people, the Mongols pillaged the city and moved on, never trying to settle anywhere. They planned to eventually return to Mongolia.
The Baghdad Caliphate was one of the most advanced civilizations of its time, the result of Arab conquests during the rise of Mohammedanism. Its destruction marked the beginning of the decline of the Moslem world.
Source: The Age of Faith, Will Durant
posted by Jim | 1:45 PM
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