The Saber and Scroll Journal Volume 7, Issue 1, Winter 2018 | Page 49

many biographies of history’s greatest military leaders including Scipio Africanus
of Rome and Hannibal, states, “The feigned retreat was a proven Mongol tactic
designed to separate the enemy cavalry from its infantry and disperse their tightly
packed formations.” 14 The Mongol light cavalry ambushed the Silesians with
arrow fire and used firepots to obscure the battlefield behind Henry. This tactic
embodied another Sun Tzu philosophy regarding the importance of moving when
it is advantageous and when it creates situations of dispersal. 15 The Mongols took
advantage of the mass confusion and sent their heavy cavalry to surround the
knights and shoot them down at close range. At the same time, the light cavalry
darted in and out of the smoke peppering the infantry with arrows. 16 With the
horses shot out from under them, the Knights Templar fell helpless to Mongol
lances. Nearly the entire European army perished.
Again consistent with Sun Tzu, Khan leveraged a critical mode of
communication both on and off the battlefield that became common throughout the
Mongolian domain. The Mongols used flags and banners to relay signals, each
producing an efficient and often immediate response. This blended the army into a
harmonious entity, even during the height of battle. 17 The Battle of Leignitz and
the clever methods of communication demonstrate deceptive and ingenious
methodology. This produced many one-sided Mongol victories and is precisely
why the Europeans depicted the Mongols as brutal barbarians rather than the
skilled warriors and efficient tacticians they were.
One of the most profound realities of Mongol strategy is found within the
psychological component. Despite having moral intentions, Khan often sought to
make others perceive him as a threat. He hoped that they would surrender without
a fight, and avoid scenarios like Leignitz. For example, when Khan approached a
city, he gave the people a choice to surrender or die. 18 Unfortunately, cities did not
always surrender, which forced his hand. When this happened, it strengthened
Khan’s resolve and reputation, and eventually encouraged others to willfully
submit to Mongol rule.
Principles, Administration, Religion, and Law
Khan built the Mongolian Empire on a variety of moral guidelines. He did
not hesitate to make decisions, praised those that were loyal to him, and never
broke a promise. 19 He took loyalty very seriously. If an enemy soldier betrayed
their leader, they died as an example. Alternatively, if an enemy soldier was loyal
to his commander even when defeated, he received commendation and praise. 20
These actions helped Khan in his quests, as he was able to preserve good soldiers
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