Good overview; who were some of the other nomadic peoples at the time, and did their empires approach anything close to what the Mongols attained?
During the time of the Mongol Empire, there were also several other nomadic peoples who had their own empires. While none of these empires reached the same size and scope as the Mongols, they still played significant roles in history. Some of these nomadic empires include the Huns, the Xiongnu, the Xianbei, the Khazars, and the Turks.
The Huns were a nomadic confederation that emerged in Central Asia around the 4th century CE. They later migrated westward and established a powerful empire under the leadership of Attila the Hun. Although their empire stretched across much of Europe, it did not have the same level of centralization and organization as the Mongols.
The Xiongnu, originally from the regions of Mongolia, China, and Siberia, established a vast empire in the 3rd century BCE. They were known for their military prowess and skillful cavalry tactics. However, their empire lacked the administrative and governing systems of the Mongols.
The Xianbei were another nomadic group that originated in northern China and Mongolia. They also formed a large empire in the 3rd century CE, but it eventually disintegrated due to internal conflicts and external pressures.
The Khazars were a nomadic Turkic people who established an empire in the region between the Caspian and Black Seas around the 7th century CE. They had a highly organized military and were known for their diplomatic skills. However, their empire was more focused on trade and commerce rather than conquest.
The Turks, who originated in the region around modern-day Mongolia, Central Asia, and Siberia, formed multiple empires throughout history. The most notable was the Göktürk Khaganate, established in the 6th century CE. Although they had several successful military campaigns, their empires were not as extensive or long-lasting as that of the Mongols.
In comparison to the Mongols, these nomadic empires generally lacked the same level of centralized power, logistical infrastructure, and administrative systems that allowed the Mongols to create the largest land empire in history. However, they all contributed to shaping the geopolitical landscape of their respective regions and had significant influence during their time.