Invasions of Asia
"I am the flail of god had you not created great sins, God would not have sent a punishment like me upon you."
- Genghis Khan, to the Khwarezmid civilzation, shortly before the destruction of the Khwarezmid civilization.
Last sight of many acient Chinese citizens
Genghis Khan and his Mongolian army quickly swept across the continent. The Mongolians nomadic culture greatly influenced their battling. As herders the Mongols were excellent horse riders, riding through great distances in very short spaces of time. Their well trained archery skills also helped their conquering.
One of the key points to his leadership was that instead of Mongolian tradition, promoting relatives to power, he instead promoted people based on merit, skill, and respect. Also instead of abandoning the remaining members of a conquered tribe, which was normal at the time, he would intergrate them under his leadership, making his empire stronger. Another source of power was using the skilled workers of conquered people. Since the Mongolians did not excel at math or science well, they would send artisans now under their control around the empire to help in battles. Similar Mongolian traditions were broken as well, such as making it illegal to kidnap women and livestock.
In battles the Mongolians would take many prisoners and send them first to act as shields. They were able to quickly adapt to many forms of war, including siege warfare. They also utilized technology of conquered civizations including, catapults, and better armor.
Of the main reasons why the Mongolians took over so many cultures and held so much land so quickly was how they treated thier citizens. The Mongols did not force any religion on their subjects, allowing previously prosecuted heretics to live their lives. All that the Mongolians asked was that the citizens pay taxes and stay loyal to them.
One of the key points to his leadership was that instead of Mongolian tradition, promoting relatives to power, he instead promoted people based on merit, skill, and respect. Also instead of abandoning the remaining members of a conquered tribe, which was normal at the time, he would intergrate them under his leadership, making his empire stronger. Another source of power was using the skilled workers of conquered people. Since the Mongolians did not excel at math or science well, they would send artisans now under their control around the empire to help in battles. Similar Mongolian traditions were broken as well, such as making it illegal to kidnap women and livestock.
In battles the Mongolians would take many prisoners and send them first to act as shields. They were able to quickly adapt to many forms of war, including siege warfare. They also utilized technology of conquered civizations including, catapults, and better armor.
Of the main reasons why the Mongolians took over so many cultures and held so much land so quickly was how they treated thier citizens. The Mongols did not force any religion on their subjects, allowing previously prosecuted heretics to live their lives. All that the Mongolians asked was that the citizens pay taxes and stay loyal to them.
The Chinese' opinion of the Mongols was not friendly