For the Horde! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Horse

The horse was the single most important part of the Mongol's economic life. Without horses, they could never have conquered neighboring areas easily and swiftly. For example if they had had to rely on travelling by foot or caravan, they would have been too slow and thus at the mercy of violent tribes along their route.

As horse-nomads they were fast, and by necessity moved along the steppes and other grasslands to maintain the herd. Even today Mongolia is known as 'The Land of the Horse'. A particular kind of horse known as the 'Takhi" was the original breed which grazed along the Eurasian steppes and became a spiritual ideal to the Mongol hordes.

Answer: A system of supply points and communication

'Yam' was the Mongolian term for the swift and accurate communications system that used messengers on horseback much like the Pony Express of the Old West in America. This Mongol system enabled commands to be easily dispersed and allowed news to travel quickly from the Eastern empire around present day Hungary all the way to China and lands in between. Actual checkpoints approximately 24-64 kilometers apart (15-60 miles) were created and maintained by a loyal staff replete with well tended horses.

Answer: Subadai

Subudai (1175-1248 C.E) is considered one of the greatest military tacticians in history. An expert on siege warfare and weaponry, he often would use engineers to help him plan strategies. It is Subudai, who, as one of Genghis Khan's 'Four Dogs of War", developed fake attacks, psychological warfare, and shock tactics to conquer and to control subjugated people.

Answer: The Golden Horde

Batu Khan (1207-1255 C.E) set up a tent for the Russians to see for miles, which looked like a shining, golden, silk tent. This image led to the invaders being called "The Golden Horde" by the defeated Russians. The Golden Horde maintained control of the area including modern Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova and the Caucasus. Batu Khan placated the petty Russian princes by making them tax collectors which helped ease tensions among the conquered people.

Interestingly the horde first requested allegiance from the Russians.

When they refused, their cities were destroyed and conquered.

Answer: Pax Mongolica

The Pax Mongolica (13th and 14th C.) and its successes in communications and commerce were the direct result of excellent management by the Mongols. A strong Mongol infrastructure, which maintained a secure route along The silk Road for merchants allowed a increase in trade, travel and social- cultural assimilation. Thus a period of relative peace not unlike the Pax Romana existed for nearly two centuries.

Answer: Mongol Bow

The particular strength of the Mongol Bow was its construction. It was a recurved bow and made from wood, horn and sinew. These made it extremely strong and since it was relatively small,it was good for shooting from horseback. The Mongol Bow was known for its precision, accuracy, force and reach.

It was so powerful that it could pierce armor. Military tacticians like Subudai (1175-1248) often worked with science and engineers to create outstanding weaponry.

Answer: The Silk Road

With the yam communications system in place, protection of all merchants and a strong central administration, the Mongols were able to provide safe passage along the Silk Road. This trade route for caravans enabled cultures throughout the Empire, from Eastern Europe to China to mix, trade and know each other better than ever before.

Answer: Mandhukai

Mandhukai (1449-1510 C.E) was an extraordinary woman, warrior and mother. Her youth was spent in learning and actively participating in warfare. In her thirties she married her adopted son, who was seventeen years her junior and she bore him eight children many while engaged in battles as a major leader of the Mongol Empire.

Answer: A meeting to choose the next Great Khan

The Kurultai was a meeting where Mongol chiefs would meet to choose the next Great Khan. No matter where in the empire anyone might be at the time, once the news of the Khan's death reached the chieftains, they had to head immediately for the predetermined place to vote.

This process helped to maintain an easy transition of power without disturbing the administrative security of the Empire itself.

Answer: The Mongols made the princes tax collectors

Actually before the horde decimated the Russians, Batu requested allegiance from Prince Vladimir and other princes. It was only after a refusal that he destroyed the cities involved. This left the petty Russian princes devastated and angry. As a result they were stubborn and less than willing to cooperate with the Horde, despite threats of mutilation and execution.