Includes bibliographical references and index.

Front Matter -- Preliminary Material / İsenbike Togan -- Acknowledgments / İsenbike Togan -- List of Abbreviations / İsenbike Togan -- Notes on Transcription / İsenbike Togan -- List of Charts, Illustrations and Maps / İsenbike Togan -- Introduction / İsenbike Togan -- Chapter One Patterns of Universalism and Localism in Inner Asia / İsenbike Togan -- Chapter Two The Setting: Prelude to the Thirteenth Century / İsenbike Togan -- Chapter Three Shifting Alliances and the Kerait / İsenbike Togan -- Chapter Four The New Universal Order / İsenbike Togan -- Chapter Five Epilogue / İsenbike Togan -- Back Matter -- Appendices / İsenbike Togan -- References / İsenbike Togan -- Index / İsenbike Togan -- Illustrations and Maps / İsenbike Togan.

This volume examines the circumstances that brought about the rise of the Mongolian empire. Twelfth-century Asia and the tribal politics of Inner Asia are examined on macro and micro levels. The study concentrates on the Keraits, one of the most powerful tribal peoples of Inner Asia during Chinggis Khan's early rise to power and one of the greatest losers in the ensuing political realignment. The Kerait, who gave rise to the legend of Prester John, are studied as a symbol of Inner Asian tribal world. In contrast to models of domination, this work portrays a competitive environment involving both conflict and coexistence. Focusing on power, its limitations and its transformation, we trace the emergence and consolidation of Chinggis Khan's authority within this environment of coexistence, shifting alliances and competition.

English

Description based on print version record.