Terror Destruction under the Mongol Empire

drawing of mongols outside vladimir

the reputation of guaranteed wholesale enactment on fought them primary reason why mongols hold vast territories long after main force had moved on. if tumens (tyumens) hundreds or thousands of miles away, conquered people not dare interfere token mongol occupying force, fear of mongol return.

the linchpin of mongol success widespread perception amongst enemies facing insurmountable juggernaut placated surrender. mongols may have counted on reports of horrifying massacres , torture terrify foes. goal convince all-and-sundry costs of surrendering not onerous enough risk un-winnable war, given guarantee of complete annihilation if lost. strategy partially adopted because of mongols lesser numbers; if opponents not sufficiently subdued, there greater chance can rise again , attack mongols when mongols left deal town , settlements. way technically covered rear , flanks, , avoided situation in have again engage people fought , subdued, thereby saving resources, in point of view, unnecessary second engagement.

as mongol conquest spread, form of psychological warfare proved effective @ suppressing resistance mongol rule. there tales of lone mongol soldiers riding surrendered villages , executing peasants @ random test of loyalty. known single act of resistance bring entire mongol army down on town obliterate occupants. ensured obedience through fear. peasants appear have joined troops or readily accepted demands.