Starting off as a nomadic group of people from the steppes of Central Asia, the Mongols contrived the largest empire in the world, conquering more land in 25 years than the Romans did in 400. In the 12th century, Mongol tribes wandered the lands of Mongolia and later rose as a formidable tribe. These horseback-riding men exploited the fear tactic of heinous and merciless violence towards those they conquered, as well as using manipulation and force on those who defied their regulations. With their devotion and organization techniques in their army, influence on other regions, and virtues that their actions were based on, the Mongols prospered in conquering most of Eurasia. Although these conquests have been viewed as stereotypically barbaric …show more content…
Under Genghis Khan’s rule, the empire covered more than 4,000,000 square miles with a systematized and efficient army, along with their advanced weaponry (Doc 1). The Mongol army became the dominant military force that consisted of only 23,000 horsemen in the 13th century; it was a well-disciplined cavalry that moved rapidly, surrounding the foe, and developed complex battle strategies leading them to victory. When in battle, the Mongols fought vigorously, day and night, leaving no survivors and strategically alternating in groups for those in need of rest (Doc 3 & 4). Although some were kept captive, they were later on tortured and mercilessly slaughtered (Doc 5). In 1245, Pope Innocent IV sent two emissaries that were Franciscan monks, John of Plano Carpini and Benedict the Pole, to travel through the dominions of the Golden Horde. Carpini recounted observant and thorough accounts of the Mongols life behind the walls and on the battlefield, and witnessed the system of arranging the warriors into tens and directed into discipline (Doc 2). Strict regulations retained the army’s position and power among others, for if one betrays, they are tortured and executed: “… all who take flight are put to death” (Doc 2). Assuming since he originated from Europe and was surrounded by speculations of Mongols living a barbaric lifestyle, Carpini was perhaps