The Silk Road and the Political Economy of the Mongol Empire

This book compares present day networks of Central and Inner Asia with the similar connections that existed at the time of the Mongol Empire in the thirteenth century and its successor states. The book shows the Mongol Empire anticipated many networks and connections which now exist in the region.

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The growing importance of Central and Inner Asia and the Silk Road is much discussed at present. This book compares the nature of present day networks in these regions with the patterns of similar connections which existed at the time of the Mongol Empire in the thirteenth century and its successor states. It considers settlement patterns, technology and technology transfer, trade, political arrangements, the role of religion and the impact of the powerful states which border the region. Overall, the book demonstrates that the Mongol Empire anticipated many of the networks and connections which exist in the region at present.