Which inventions made their way to the Middle East and Europe thanks to the expansion of the Mongol Empire? Explain/predict how these inventions impacted history.
make the answer high school appropriate
The expansion of the Mongol Empire brought various inventions to the Middle East and Europe, leading to significant impacts on history. One such invention was paper, which had been developed earlier in China but was spread across the empire through trade routes. Paper revolutionized the process of writing and book production, replacing more expensive forms of writing material like parchment and papyrus. This led to an increase in literacy rates, the preservation of knowledge, and the spread of ideas. The availability of paper contributed to the flourishing of Islamic scholarship and the Renaissance in Europe.
Another invention that made its way to the Middle East and Europe was gunpowder. Originally invented in China, the Mongol Empire facilitated the transmission of this invention to the rest of the world. Gunpowder transformed warfare, as the Mongols wielded it with great effectiveness during their conquests. Its use eventually led to the development of firearms, drastically altering military strategies and ultimately shaping the balance of power globally.
Additionally, the Mongols' extensive trade networks opened up opportunities for the exchange of cultures and technological advancements. The compass, initially invented in China, also found its way to the Middle East and Europe during this time. The compass revolutionized navigation by providing an accurate means of determining direction, thus allowing for more precise exploration and trade. This advancement in maritime navigation paved the way for the Age of Discovery and the subsequent colonization of distant lands.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Mongol Empire brought inventions like paper, gunpowder, and the compass to the Middle East and Europe. These inventions had profound impacts on history, leading to a surge in literacy rates, the preservation of knowledge, a revolution in warfare, and the opening of new trade routes. They facilitated intellectual and technological advancements, which in turn shaped the cultural, social, and political landscapes of the regions involved, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the world.