Final answer:
Historians differ on the impact of the Mongol Empire: while some see it as destructive, others acknowledge its role in fostering commerce and cultural exchange during the Pax Mongolica.
Step-by-step explanation:
Differing Perspectives on the Mongol Empire's Impact
The expansion and governance of the Mongol Empire under Genghis Khan brought profound changes to Eurasia in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Historians debate the empire's dual nature: while some view it as a period of terror and destruction, others see the Pax Mongolica as a time of peace and increased cultural and commercial exchanges. Advances in siege technology and the construction of bridges facilitated the Mongol conquests and the empire's vast network of trade routes. The relay stations ("örtöö") allowed for safer and more efficient travel, promoting exchange and contact between diverse peoples. Despite its short lifespan of roughly 150 years, the empire's impact on commerce, communication, and cultural connections was significant, although its long-term influence on regional developments remains debated.