The First Truely Global Meeting There is no more truly global event in the history of the pre-modern world than the great Mongol Qurultai of 1246. Coming from as far afield as France, Russia, Armenia, Baghdad, Tibet and Korea – dignitaries and diplomats came to observe and react to the most consequential election in Eurasian history to that point. Genghis Khan and his four sons had assembled the largest empire in the world – now it would be the grandsons of Genghis who would fight among themselves to take the reigns and set the course of world history. This game takes students to the Golden Ordo – the gigantic tent of the Mongol Khans – where a remarkable woman, the empress dowager Toregene, presides over a series of debates which will reshape not only the Mongol Empire but the entire world. Grandsons of Genghis is divided into three debates, the first discusses who should be the next great khan and on what basis they should rule. The second is a theological debate between visiting Christian, Muslim and Buddhist dignitaries judged by the Mongol characters, and the third has these characters debate where the Mongol army should invade next. This is a Level 3 game that is still under development but has been approved by the Reacting Editorial Board (REB) for general use. A detailed explanation of the editorial process and game levels can be found on our REB Page. |
Details
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Notable Roles |
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Using the Game
Class Size and Scalability Class Time 2-8 Pregame sessions, 3 or 6 Game Sessions
This game can be used on its own, or with other games. These pairings are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive or prescriptive. Grandsons of Genghis may pair well with:
All roles are expected to give a speech. |
Reacting Consortium members can access all downloadable materials (including expanded and updated materials) below. You will be asked to sign in before downloading. Basic game materials (Gamebook, Role Sheets, Instructor's Guide, and Handouts) are available to any instructor through the publisher.
Gamebook Students need a Gamebook, which includes directions, resources, and historical content. Grandsons of Genghis is available to download. Updated June 2023 | Role Sheets Students also need a Role Sheet, which contains biographical information, role-specific resources or assignments, and their character's secret victory objectives. .zip file of .doc files. | Instructor's Manual The Instructor's Manual includes guidance for assigning roles, presenting historical context, assignments, activities and discussion topics, and more. .doc file. |
John Giebfried
John Giebfried is a historian of intercultural connections in Medieval Eurasia, especially in relation to the Crusades and the Mongol invasions. He has taught at over half a dozen institutions across three continents, and currently works in the faculty of History and Digital Humanities at the University of Vienna. |
Members can contact game authors directly.
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