ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Timeline of the Turks (500–1300)

The Turks are a group of people who have lived in different parts of the world for a very long time, from about 500 AD to 1300 AD. During this time, they had different leaders, cultures, and languages.

At the beginning of the timeline, the Turks were split into different tribes and lived in Central Asia. They were mostly nomads, which means they moved from place to place to find food and water for their animals.

Around 600 AD, one of these tribes, called the Göktürks, formed a powerful empire in what is now Mongolia and China. They were known for their skilled horse riders and their ability to conquer other lands. The Göktürks also had a written language and created a calendar based on the lunar cycle.

In the following centuries, different Turkish tribes continued to rise to power and conquer new lands. One of the most famous groups was the Seljuk Turks. They conquered the Middle East and Asia Minor, which is now modern-day Turkey, in the 11th century. The Seljuks were known for their military prowess and patronage of the arts and sciences.

At the same time, another group of Turks called the Khazars created an empire in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. They ruled over a diverse population, including Jews and Christians, and became known for their trade and diplomacy.

By the 13th century, the Mongols were sweeping across Eurasia and conquered many Turkish empires, including the Seljuks and the Khwarezmian Empire in Central Asia. But the Turks were not completely defeated. They eventually regrouped and formed new empires, such as the Ottomans in the 14th century.

Overall, the timeline of the Turks from 500-1300 is a complex story of different tribes, empires, and cultures, but it shows how the Turks played a significant role in shaping the history of Asia and Europe.