Dietary Lessons from the Mongol Empire: A Modern Reflection
Written on
Chapter 1: The Mongol Empire's Unconventional Diet
The Mongol Empire, which thrived between the 13th and 14th centuries, was the largest the world had ever known. But what fueled this vast empire? It wasn't just their superior technology like composite bows and powerful steeds. The true source of their strength lay in their diet. While one might envision a balanced, warrior-friendly menu, the reality was quite different. Hearty servings of fat and alcohol were the staples that propelled the Mongols in their conquests, resembling the eating habits of a typical teenager. Imagine this teenager on a vacation in Cancun with unlimited drinks—this captures the essence of the later Khans and their nobles.
Although these caloric-rich foods prevented starvation among the impoverished Mongols, they also contributed to health issues for their more prosperous descendants. When discussing the factors that led to the empire's decline, many point to obvious issues: familial divisions, civil strife, and the challenge of managing such a vast territory. Yet, an often-overlooked vulnerability was their diet, echoing the eating challenges faced by modern societies.
The question arises: how did the Mongols fall into this dietary trap?
Section 1.1: The Mongols' Preference for Dairy and Fat
The Mongolian diet was heavily reliant on meat and dairy. As noted by John of Plano Carpini in the 1240s, the Mongols had little access to grains or vegetables, subsisting primarily on meat and mare's milk. This reliance on livestock dates back to around 1500 BC in Mongolia, with evidence of milk consumption found in archaeological studies.
Researchers from the Max Planck Institute suggest that the ancient Mongols learned about dairy from nomadic herders from the west, but they adapted it into their own culture, turning milk into an integral part of their sustenance. The harsh conditions of the Steppe required high-calorie foods, and thus horse meat, mutton, and mare's milk became staples.
In terms of caloric value:
- Mutton: 1,834 kcal per pound
- Horse meat: 1,855 kcal per pound
- Sheep's milk: 511.6 kcal per pound
The only low-fat product they produced was a necessity-driven milk powder, as milk was only available for a limited time each year.
Mongols also enjoyed fermenting mare's milk (known as qumis), although its alcohol content was low, leading them to drink it in large quantities. They ingeniously created various dairy products like yogurt, butter, and cheese, ensuring that nothing went to waste from their livestock.
Section 1.2: Transitioning from Survival to Excess
As the Mongol elite gained wealth, their dietary habits didn't evolve in tandem with their lifestyle changes. While their traditional diet had once been necessary for survival, the newfound affluence led to a sedentary life, devoid of the physical labor that had once kept them fit. This shift not only maintained their rich diet but also exacerbated health issues.
The increase in wealth meant that Mongol lords had access to large quantities of mare's milk to produce qumis. This, combined with their existing diets, contributed to the rise of health problems like gout, a condition prevalent among those who consume high amounts of red meat and alcohol. Historical accounts indicate that the women of the Mongol court were also impacted, matching their male counterparts in both size and drinking capacity.
Chapter 2: Lessons for Today
The first video, What did Genghis Khan eat? - YouTube, explores the dietary habits of one of history's greatest conquerors, shedding light on what fueled his empire.
As the Mongol Empire reached its zenith, the health of its rulers began to decline. Notably, Ögödei Khan is said to have succumbed to death following a night of heavy drinking at the young age of fifty-six, a loss that significantly impacted their military campaigns.
The modern world mirrors some of these dietary pitfalls. A healthcare biotech firm, A-Mansia, reported alarming statistics about obesity, revealing that nearly 40% of the global population was classified as obese in 2020. The economic burden of obesity is comparable to that of smoking and armed conflict, with diabetes being labeled a "21st-century epidemic" by the WHO.
While many remember the Mongols for their conquests, perhaps we should also remember their dietary habits. As John Masson Smith points out, the empire that once ruled the world ultimately succumbed to its indulgences.
In our contemporary lives, where sedentary behavior is prevalent, it's essential to recognize the parallels. We don't need to draw bows or ride horses, but our bodies are designed for movement. The rich diets that once sustained the Mongols have become a cautionary tale for us today.
The second video, The Rise and Fall of the Mongol Empire - YouTube, provides a comprehensive overview of how the empire's dietary choices contributed to its eventual decline.
In conclusion, the Mongol Empire serves as a poignant reminder of how dietary choices can shape the fate of nations. As we navigate our own health challenges, let us take heed of the lessons from the Khans.
