Mongols. A stock of the Northern Mongolic, otherwise known as Mongolo-Tartar or Ural-Altaic, family, from whom the general term of Mongolic is derived. The name seems originally to have meant “brave,” and the Mongols have provided some of the most fierce and warlike races of history. They originated as scattered tribes in modern Mongolia. Under Genghiz Khan they were formed into a confederacy which conquered the whole of Central Asia in the thirteenth century, thanks to an unlimited supply of hardy and very mobile horsemen. The existing Mongol tribes, nomad pastors of Mongolia in Central Asia, are divided into [Sharras] or Eastern [Kalmuks], or Western [Buriats], or [Siberian Mongols], and [Tunguses], including [Manchus] (q.v.).
Montenegrins. A Servian race of civilised mountaineers, inhabiting the rugged district of Montenegro; the only Balkan race which preserved independence and Christianity against the Turkish conquerors. Their history is one of constant warfare with the Turks, and they have thus preserved the primitive virtues of the warrior in great perfection.
Moors. The ancient Moors, or Mauri, were the inhabitants of the Roman province of Mauretania, roughly including the modern Algeria and Morocco. They were probably of mixed descent, partly Semitic from Arabia, partly Western Hamitic from indigenous sources. In modern times the name is applied (1) to the invaders and conquerors of Spain in the Middle Ages, who were mostly of Arab and Berber stock; (2) to the present inhabitants of Morocco and the Barbary States, of the same stocks, with a large infusion of Sudanese Negro blood. The Moors have always been a turbulent and warlike people, who furnished the most notorious pirates of modern history, thanks to their commanding position on the great highway of sea-borne commerce.
Moquis. See [PUEBLO INDIANS].
Mordvins. A branch of the [Finns] (q.v.), forming small communities on the banks of the Volga.
Mosgus. See [LAKE CHAD GROUP].
Mossis. See [NIGERIAN GROUP].
Mpongwes. A Bantu Negro race on the Gaboon Estuary in French Equatorial Africa, given to drink and boasting, of little economic value, though once powerful.
Mulattos. Half-breeds between whites and negroes.
Mundas. A Kolarian race of Lower Bengal, with possible traces of Negroid blood.