This episode of the "Empire" podcast interviews Marie Favereau, author of "The Horde," to discuss the role of women in the Mongol Empire, challenging common misconceptions. The discussion begins by contrasting popular portrayals of Mongols (e.g., Game of Thrones' Dothraki) with historical evidence from primary sources like the "Secret History of the Mongols." Favereau details the significant roles Mongol women held, including political influence, economic participation, and even battlefield presence, highlighting Borta, Genghis Khan's wife, as a key figure in the empire's rise. The podcast explores the Mongol's unique social structures and contrasts them with those of contemporary Christian and Muslim societies. Listeners gain a revised understanding of Mongol history and the substantial contributions of Mongol women.
