Genghis Khan, born as Temujin in the 12th century, rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most feared conquerors in history. His Mongol Empire stretched across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, carving a path of destruction that few could withstand. His military genius, ruthless tactics, and strategic innovations are legendary, and he employed a variety of brutal methods to secure victory. Below are 15 of the most brutal tactics used by Genghis Khan and his forces to dominate their enemies.
1. Psychological Warfare
One of Genghis Khan's most effective tools was psychological warfare. His army would sometimes destroy entire cities, killing every man, woman, and child. This extreme form of terror was designed to instill fear in the enemy, causing neighboring cities to surrender without a fight. The mere mention of the Mongols was enough to make entire populations quake in fear.
2. Massacres of Entire Populations
Genghis Khan didn't hesitate to kill large numbers of civilians if they resisted or defied him. One of the most notorious instances of this was the massacre of the Khwarezmian Empire. After the Khwarezmian Shah killed Genghis Khan’s trade envoy, the Mongols retaliated by slaughtering entire populations, including men, women, and children, in several cities.
3. Use of Terror to Force Surrender
Genghis Khan often used terror to force cities to surrender without a fight. In one instance, after defeating a city, the Mongols would set up a horrific display of skulls from the vanquished as a warning to other cities. This strategy created such fear that other cities would surrender quickly, fearing the same fate.
4. Feigned Retreats
Genghis Khan's troops were experts at feigned retreats, a tactic that tricked enemy forces into thinking they had won a battle, only to have them fall into a trap. Mongol forces would pretend to retreat in disarray, luring enemies into an ambush. Once the enemy was drawn in, the Mongols would regroup and strike with deadly force.
5. Mass Graves and Execution of Prisoners
The Mongols were notorious for executing prisoners of war in large numbers. In some cases, they would force prisoners to dig mass graves, only to execute them shortly afterward. This brutal tactic eliminated the need for maintaining large prisoner populations, as well as sending a clear message about the Mongol’s ruthlessness.
6. Mongol Cavalry and Speed
The Mongols’ primary advantage in battle was their cavalry, and they used it ruthlessly. Mounted archers, particularly, could fire arrows at high speeds while riding, giving them an unmatched tactical edge. They could strike quickly and then disappear into the horizon before enemies could retaliate.
7. Divide and Conquer
Genghis Khan understood the power of dividing his enemies. Before attacking large states, he would create dissension among the rulers and their people, often supporting rebellious factions. This approach weakened his enemies from within, making it easier to conquer them when the time came.
8. Use of Siege Warfare
Although the Mongols were known for their speed and mobility, they also mastered the art of siege warfare. They used siege engines like catapults and trebuchets to breach walls, a technology they learned from the Chinese. These machines were devastatingly effective in breaking down fortifications.
9. Capture and Use of Engineers
One of Genghis Khan’s most pragmatic strategies was capturing skilled engineers from enemy cities and putting them to work for the Mongol army. These engineers were used to build and operate siege weapons or help fortify the Mongol defenses, providing the empire with invaluable technological expertise.
10. Selective Destruction of Infrastructure
Rather than just attacking cities, Genghis Khan's forces would often destroy the infrastructure, such as crops, roads, and water sources. This would ensure that the enemy’s ability to fight or escape was severely hindered. It also forced populations into submission as their ability to feed and supply themselves was destroyed.