The Mongols are considered to be one of the most ruthless and feared empires through the course of ancient history. Their empire was extremely large, as it stretched all the way from Spain to Asia Minor. They are known for their conquest of all this land in just three years, while the Romans took nearly 40 years. Their strong leader named Genghis Khan was very violent - often times burning and destroying entire villages. Through the developed fear of Genghis Khan, military armor and tactics, and the separation of jobs, the Mongols were able to conquer a great deal of land.
The Mongol leader, Genghis Khan, terrorized many people in order to conquer their land and valuables. In the document it states, ”He sent soldiers out against those of the Tangqut people who had rebelled against him...The whole tribe was completely wiped out,” (Doc 7). The quote shows the ruthless nature of Genghis Khan, as he wiped out an entire tribe of people without any hesitation. This desire for blood led to many unconquered people immediately surrendering at the sight of the Mongols. Most of the land acquired by the Mongols was due to their implemented fear tactics. In cases where the Mongols had to fight for the land, there large and disciplined army crushed opponents.
The Mongol army was extremely prepared, disciplined, and organized in a way that they were undefeatable. In the text Marco Polo writes, “Their arms are bows, iron maces, and in some instances, spears...They wear defensive armor made from buffalo and hides of other beasts, dried by the fire, and thus rendered extremely hard and strong...can live for a month on the milk of their mares...Their horses are fed upon grass alone, and do not require barley or grains,” (Doc 3). This quote written by Marco Polo suggests, their armies were highly skilled with their weapons, had advanced armour made from the skin of the animals they ate, and could survive in very harsh conditions. Another advantage the Mongol army had was the organization of men into groups of 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 which overall helped improve their leadership. With skillful weapon experts, advanced armour, a desire to live, and great leadership it is no surprise the Mongols were unstoppable. While away fighting, the Mongols did not have to worry about a collapse in their empire, as they had an elaborate system of job separation where the women and remaining men would split up work and daily tasks.
In Mongolian society the separation of jobs between women and men played a key factor to their success. In one of the documents it states, “women’s task to drive the wagons, to load the dwellings on them and to unload again, to milk the cows, to make butter and grut, and to dress the skins...The men make bows and arrows, manufacture stirrups and bits, fashion saddles, construct the dwellings and the wagons, tend the horses and mares, churn the comas, produce the skins,” (Doc 5). This quote showing gender based tasks, depicts the different tasks women and men were responsible for. The split up of jobs created more efficiency and time for the Mongols to focus on other things such as conquering more land. With nothing to worry about at home, because the tasks were being completed rapidly, the Mongols were free to travel, trade, and expand.
To reiterate, the Mongol empire was arguably the smartest and most ruthless empires to ever exist. They conquered more land throughout Europe and Asia Minor in a few years than the Romans did in a few decades. The fear of Genghis Khan, advanced military tactics and equipment, and job separation were all contributing factors. Overall, the Mongols were people of wonder. Their great achievements have never and could never be outdone in any way, shape, or form.
