Reasons for the Rise of the Mongol Empire

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Mongol Empire was the greatest empire of the 13th Century and ranked among the most ruthless empires of human history. Their influence diminished during the 14th Century when the Mongol Empire disintegrated into several relatively smaller dynasties. After its emergence in 1206 from Mongolia, the Mongol Empire captured vast areas of Eurasia in just a few decades under the leadership of Genghis Khan and his military commanders.

 The rise of nomads of Mongolia to become rulers of an area comprising today’s Russia, China, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and parts of the Middle East was not merely due to the capabilities of Mongols. Several other factors also played a vital role in establishing this vast empire.

Rise of the Mongol Empire - Important Reasons

The Leadership of Genghis Khan 

Before the emergence of Genghis Khan, Mongols were divided into various groups and tribes, fighting against each other to control their areas. Genghis Khan also had to fight against his enemies to take control of his tribe. He then managed to gather all the other Mongolian tribes under his banner. Mongols were great warriors and only needed appropriate leadership to become a superpower. Genghis Khan filled this gap with bravery, wisdom, and other leadership qualities.
 
Battlefield Tactics

Mongols proved themselves to be masters of the battlefield by designing various strategies and showing excellent fighting skills. Employing new tactics enabled  the Mongols to defeat several times more powerful enemies than their armies. The Mongols were experts in withstanding harsh living conditions. They were masters of military skills like throwing arrows with their bows while riding a running horse (horse archery). These capabilities made them superior to their enemies. 
Mongols were masters of horse archery


Laws of Yassa

‘Yassa’ was a code of law introduced by Genghis Khan, and Mongols needed to accept and act upon this law. The lawbreakers received severe punishments. These comprehensive laws provide directions about political, social, and domestic issues. ‘Yassa’ was a major factor in uniting the Mongol Empire and creating discipline among Mongol nomads.

Cruelty against Resistant Enemies

Mongols were notorious for their cruelty, and it was worst against the opponents showing stiff resistance against them. Therefore, the citizens of Baghdad, Khwarezmia, Kievan Rus, and several other areas faced destruction by the Mongols. These tactics assisted them in exterminating any potential future danger. It also created fear among enemies that resisting the Mongols could result in their elimination. Consequently, people in some areas accepted their rule without a fight. 

Making use of Opponents’ Skills

Mongols were not cruel to every opponent but were open to skilled and capable people of other nations for their benefit. An important example is the presence of foreign physicians, engineers, and firearm experts in the Mongol army. Mongols selected all these expert and skilled persons from their defeated nations.

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