Pastoral Societies

Chapter 11 was interesting to read because it gave us a different perspective on how societies could be shaped and influenced. So much of the text so far has been focused on agrarian societies and their manipulation of the environment around them.

Despite their smaller size, pastoral societies were shaped and manipulated by the environment around them. Since they did not have the means to develop into an agricultural society, they had to use animals and animal by-products to excel their empire.

After reading the Chapter and learning more about the Mongol Empire (see link below), I have a different perspective on its impact and influence. I must admit that I was guilty in only hearing the "Western Civ" version. While they were sometimes brutal, so to were other civilizations of the time. The affect they had on China and Eastern Europe, forever changed the course of history.

http://www.allempires.com/article/index.php?q=The_Mongol_Empire