At the dawn of spring in 1241, the skies in Hungary were unusually clear, but this calm land was about to be greeted with an unprecedented storm. In this year, Genghis Khan's grandson Batu led the Mongol army like a storm across the continent, their steps heavy but determined, like the drum of fate, heralding a terrible change. The cruelty and resourcefulness of the Mongol army was perfectly demonstrated on the battlefield of Hungary, where they not only attacked the enemy with rockets, but also skillfully set a trap that plunged the Hungarian army into confusion and fear.
In the firelight, the crushing defeat of the Hungarian soldiers and the scene of the Mongol army chasing the deserters became an indelible horror memory in the hearts of Europeans of that era. This is not just an ordinary conquest, but the introduction of a completely new way of warfare. The Mongol army showed its strength on the Hungarian plains with its efficient marching speed, precise archery, and ruthless tactics. Their tactical flexibility, psychological warfare, and brutal execution have completely subverted the traditional European concept of warfare.
Genghis Khan's general's expedition to the west.
In 1220 A.D., the spring sun shone over the Mongolian plateau, and the army was ready to go, and Jebe and Subutai stood at the forefront of the army, their eyes firm. Under the orders of Genghis Khan, they shouldered the heavy responsibility of the western expedition. The target of the army was Sultan Mahama of Khorezm, a powerful ruler who controlled a fertile land and a prosperous city.
The Mongol army, led by Jebe and Subutai, advanced westward along the Silk Road. They crossed the vast Gobi, crossed the rolling mountains, and finally reached the border of Khorezm. Here they met the army of Sultan Mahama. The Sultan's army was elite and large, horses neighed, and battle flags were hunted. The two armies engaged in fierce exchanges in the border area. The Mongol army, with its amazing mobility and precise archery, prevailed, forcing the opposing side to constantly retreat.
As the Mongol army deepened, they began a full-scale sweep of Iran. Towns and villages in the Iranian region were thrown into disarray in the face of a strong Mongol onslaught. The Mongol cavalry were wolf-like and stormy, and their tactics were flexible, often launching surprise attacks when the enemy was unprepared. The Mongol army used a variety of siege equipment, such as trebuchets and rockets, to make many of the fortified cities vulnerable.
In the conquest of Iran, the military talents of Jebe and Subutai were fully demonstrated. Their familiarity with the terrain and accurate judgment of the enemy's dynamics enabled the Mongol army to quickly adjust its tactics and cope with a variety of complex battlefield environments. Under their command, the Mongol army was able to launch an effective offensive not only on the plains, but also in rugged mountains and dense forests.
As the Mongol armies continued to advance, their fame and terrifying influence quickly spread in the surrounding area. When the townspeople heard the news of the imminent arrival of the Mongol army, they fled their homes in search of self-preservation. Everywhere the Mongol army went, it left behind a ruin and scorched earth. Their strategy is not just to conquer, but more to determine, demonstrating their determination and strength to all potential enemies through outright destruction and brutal means.
After sweeping all of Iran, Jebe and Subutai led the Mongol army into the Caucasus.
Strategy and tactics of the Mongol army.
In the Caucasus, the Mongol armies showed that they were not only unrivaled in force, but also cunning in resourcefulness. Their targets were the Alans and the Polovtsis, two groups with significant influence in the region. Instead of launching a full-scale attack directly, the Mongol army resorted to a more subtle and effective tactic: the Discord Meter.
In order to carry out this strategy, Mongolian scouts and spies spread rumors and disinformation between the two communities. Using the local language and customs, they skillfully created misunderstanding and mistrust between the Alans and the Polovtszi. For example, they revealed to the Alans that the Polovtzi were secretly in contact with the Mongols and planned to betray the Alans. At the same time, they secretly told the Polovezi that the Alans intended to attack them preemptively.
These rumours quickly spread among the two communities, exacerbating pre-existing tensions. Under the control of the Mongol army, the two already distrustful groups began to deepen their hostility and even skirmish. In this chaotic atmosphere, the Mongol army began their military campaign.
First, the Mongol army chose to launch a surprise attack at night, attacking several important camps of the Alans. Since the Alans were haunted by the possible betrayal of the Polovtsis, they were caught off guard by a surprise attack by the Mongol army. The Mongol cavalry burst into the camp with lightning speed, and in the firelight, arrows rained down, horses neighed, and the Alans warriors were routed in panic.
Subsequently, the Mongol army turned to attack the Bolovtsians. Although the Polovozzi were aware of the defeat of the Alans, they were unable to be sure that they could still trust the Alans and were unable to organize an effective united resistance due to their previous divisive schemes. The Mongol army took advantage of this, using the tactics of dispersion and encirclement, and gradually encroached on the territory of the Polovtsians.
In both battles, the Mongol army demonstrated not only their tactical flexibility and combat effectiveness, but also their psychological warfare and tactical sophistication. Through the Discord Scheme, they succeeded in weakening two forces that might have posed a threat and smashing them one by one, demonstrating their total control over the war.
These victories not only further consolidated the Mongol army's dominance in the Caucasus, but also spread the prestige of the Mongol army in the surrounding areas. The cruelty and intelligence of the Mongol army made them an unstoppable force in the process of conquest.
The conflict between the Mongol army and Russia.
When the prestige of the Mongol army spread throughout the Caucasus, the remnants of the Bolovtsis fled to Russian territory, bringing news about the Mongol army. The fugitives of the Polovtsis, dusty and exhausted, painted to the Russian leaders about the brutality and strength of the Mongol army and what they were doing in the Caucasus.
The nobility and military leadership of Russia were shocked by the news. They realized that the Mongol army was not only a threat in the Caucasus, but could also soon become a serious threat to Russia. Just as they were hesitating, the Mongol emissary arrived in Russia with a proposal for reconciliation. The Mongol envoys were humble and peaceful, telling the Russians that as long as they did not interfere with the Mongol plans of conquest and remained hostile to the Bolovtsians, the Mongols would be exchanged for booty.
However, the Russians, out of wariness of the Mongol army, as well as sympathy for the Polovtsis, rejected the offer. The Russians not only killed the Mongol emissaries, but also formed an alliance with the Polovtsis, preparing to jointly resist the invasion of the Mongol army. This decision quickly spread throughout Russia, and the major principalities mobilized their soldiers to prepare for the Mongols.
Upon learning of the reaction of the Russians, the Mongol army immediately began a military operation against Russia. They first chose the Kalka River as a battlefield, an important river located in western Russia and of strategic importance. On the banks of the Kalka River, the Mongol army engaged in a fierce battle with the Russian-Polovtsy coalition.
At the beginning of the battle, the Russian-Polovtsy forces occupied favorable terrain on the banks of the river, and they formed a dense formation, ready to meet the onslaught of the Mongol cavalry. However, instead of launching a direct frontal attack, the Mongol army used their usual tactics: dispersion and detours. The Mongol cavalry divided into several squads and launched a quick surprise attack on the enemy from several directions.
The Russian-Polovtzi coalition looked clumsy and slow in the face of the cunning tactics of the Mongol army. They tried to adjust their formation to respond to attacks from all sides, but were often plagued by the rapid movement of the Mongol cavalry and the sudden change in direction of attack. The Mongol army's rain of arrows poured down like a torrential rain, putting tremendous pressure on the Russian-Polovtsi coalition and eventually winning the victory.
Further expansion of the Mongols.
After fifteen years of preparation and planning, the Mongol Empire launched another major expedition to Europe in 1241. The commander of the expedition was Genghis Khan's grandson, Batu of Jochi, a leader who was both militarily gifted and ambitious. Batu inherited Genghis Khan's spirit of conquest and prepared to expand the Mongol Empire's frontiers further west.
The Mongol army led by Batu first attacked the Russian region. The vastness of Russia, the sparsely populated land, and the inability of the vassal states of the time to form an effective resistance, allowed the Mongol army to quickly cross the vast plains and capture one town after another. The tactical agility of the Mongol army and the extreme pursuit of speed made them a fish in water in this vast land. Their horse teams were able to assemble quickly in a short period of time, and they could quickly disperse, striking a sudden and fatal blow to the Russian castles and armies.
Subsequently, the Mongol army advanced westward into Eastern Europe. Here they met with much more stubborn resistance than Russia. The countries and city-states of Eastern Europe had better urban defense systems and more organized armies. However, these did not stop the advance of the Mongol army. Batu used a variety of tactics such as encirclement, luring the enemy into depth, and surprise attacks, constantly weakening the enemy's resistance. In a series of battles, the Mongol army showed extraordinary combat effectiveness and tenacity, gradually breaking through the defenses of Eastern European countries.
The Mongol army, which continued westward, then entered the Balkans. The mountainous and hilly terrain presented new challenges for the Mongol cavalry. However, the Mongol army, thanks to its adaptability to the terrain and its flexible tactics, managed to conquer this region. Their ability to march and fight in the mountains once again proved the strength of the Mongol army.
After completing his conquests of Russia, Eastern Europe, and the Balkans, Batu established the "Red Ulus" in Kiev, the prototype of the famous Golden Horde. The establishment of the Golden Horde marked the long-term existence and influence of the Mongol Empire in Europe. This khanate was not only an important part of the Mongol Empire, but also became an important hub connecting East and West.
Terror and memory of the Mongol army.
In 1241, the Mongol army entered Hungary under the leadership of Batu. This time, they faced one of the European kingdoms with deep military traditions. The Kingdom of Hungary prepared strong defenses, and the soldiers were confident and ready to meet the invading Mongol army.
However, the Mongol army, with its usual tactics and tactics, began the offensive on Hungary. They first used a large number of rockets. These rockets were loaded with flammable substances, and when they entered the ranks of the Hungarian army, they quickly set out flames. This sudden attack immediately created panic and confusion among the Hungarian army. Flames and smoke spread rapidly, the soldiers trampled each other in the confusion, and the formation was completely disrupted.
Instead of immediately launching a full-scale assault, the Mongol army continued to use rockets, increasing psychological pressure on the enemy troops. Subsequently, they took advantage of the confusion of the Hungarian army and divided into small groups for a quick raid. These squads were agile and maneuvering, attacking from different directions, making it difficult for the Hungarian soldiers to form an effective resistance.
As the battle continued, the Hungarian army began to show signs of rout. The soldiers, under constant attacks and psychological pressure from the Mongol army, began to flee in all directions. The Mongol army followed suit and launched a pursuit of the deserters. Their cavalry quickly weaved between the fleeing Hungarian soldiers, cutting them off one by one with bows and swords.
The brutality of the battle and the efficiency of the Mongol army sent a deep shock to Europe. The Hungarian army thought that its defenses were strong enough to withstand the Mongol attack, but the result was a crushing defeat. The brutality and resourcefulness of the Mongol army in this battle showed their tactical flexibility and execution.
The victory of the Mongol army in Hungary made their reputation in Europe even more discredited. Their tactics and strategy were not only a revolution militarily, but also psychologically imposing great fear on the enemy. This fear quickly spread throughout the continent, making the Mongol army a terrifying symbol in European history.
References: "The Golden Horde: Mongol Rule in Europe", "The Western Crusade of the Mongol Empire", "The Battle of Hungary and the Fate of Europe".