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The mongols adopted the best tools of their enemies, they had a complete army that included siege weapons built by chinese siege engineers. They were the first
by valuearb 9y ago
The mongols adopted the best tools of their enemies, they had a complete army that included siege weapons built by chinese siege engineers. They were the first to use artillery in Europe. They conquered far larger and better fortified chinese cities than any piddling castles in Europe.
And you can't trap the mongols, their mobile army lived off the land and moved far too fast with a lethality that european armies couldn't deal with.
The death of Chenggis Khan was the only thing that saved Europe from a massacre and enslavement by the mongols.
- novembermike 9y agoThe Mongols were having trouble in Europe before Chenggis died and there is evidence that they turned around before they heard of his death. It's easy to mythologize the Mongols, but when they tried to move on castle builders in the levant and Eastern Europe they got their asses kicked. Repeatedly.
- valuearb 9y agoThere was a 20 year delay that allowed a massive preparation, including big changes in tactics and strategy by the Europeans. If Chenggis had lived, they wouldn't have had but a fraction of that time.
- novembermike 9y ago"Preparation" in this case meant going from 1% as prepared as Western Europe to 5% as prepared as Western Europe. Remember, when the Mongols attacked Vienna at the same time they were beating the Polish and Hungarians they were defeated in open battle which was their strong suit.