Destroyed Cities Project

The Things They Carried

They carried all the standard things you'd expect them to carry; clothes, food, and other personal items. They brought along the clothes they had, they weren't many. Along with them came their dog, a pig and a bag of rice.They also brought along the family's shrine, including the statue of their god and the incense, which wasn't much. The valuables they had were brought along, so the Mongols wouldn't taken, a silver plate, a gold spoon. Everyone took an item valuable to them, the daughter took a doll, the boy a dull knife, and the parents a small portion of their wedding gift that they still had. All of this was taken in a wheelbarrow, and if they were lucky enough, a cart; they weren't. All except the animals of course, they walked alongside if they could keep up. If they couldn't, they were left behind, as they would only inhibit the family's flight. They got out almost as the Mongols were coming in.

Another family was luckier. They brought the same as the other, one but were better off and could carry more in their cart. They brought some seeds and pickled vegetables as well and some fuel for a fire. They had an mare to pull the cart that wasn't yet senile, but no pigs. They had preserved meat instead. This family got out of the city and were able to put a day's distance between them and Beijing.

Another, wealthier, upper middle class family escaped in comparative luxury, but not up to their usual standards. They had a small wagon, with a cover to keep dry. This looked rather like a small caravan, but with wheels and sturdier. They were able to bring most of their clothes, and left behind all but one of their silks. They brought along a servant and were able to bring food such as preserved vegetables and meat, rice, and a sweet or two for the children. They were aware of the Mongols near breakthrough and were able to view the destruction from a good distance, they could see only smoke and the dim, orange glow of the fires.