Document 3
A common misconception is that the semiliterate Mongols came out of the steppes of
Mongolia, quickly conquered far more advanced civilizations, and left the government in each
area in the hands of the conquered. While Chinese bureaucrats still did their jobs and the local
Persian rulers stayed in power as long as they did not cause the Mongols any trouble, the
situation was much more complex.…
The Mongols used qualified people wherever they were needed. It was not unusual to have
Arabs serving in Russia or Persians in China. Still, the Mongols preferred not to tinker too much
with systems that worked well. When Yelu Qucai (1189–1243), the great minister and governor
of northern China, demonstrated how much wealth the region could produce for Ögödei Khan,
the Mongols kept his system in place.…
In smaller provincial territories, many local rulers maintained their position, serving as the
local daruqachi or shahna [governor]. As long as they paid tribute, provided troops when called
upon, came before the khan to pledge their loyalty, and kept good order in their territories, they
remained in their positions. For the Mongols, it made good sense, as the local rulers knew the
customs of their people.…
Source: Timothy May, “Taking Control,” Calliope, A Cobblestone Publication
According to Timothy May, what was one action taken by the Mongols to control the territory they
conquered?