The Mongol Art of War ─ Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Military System

The Mongol armies that established the largest land empire in history, stretching across Asia and into eastern Europe, are imperfectly understood. Often they are viewed as screaming throngs of horsemen who swept over opponents by sheer force of numbers rather than as disciplined regiments that carried out planned and practiced maneuvers. In this pioneering book, Timothy May demonstrates that the Mongol military developed from a tribal levy into a complex military organization. He describes the make-up of the Mongol army from its inception to the demise of the Mongol empire, and he shows how it was the strength, quality and versatility of Mongol military organization that made them the pre-eminent warriors of their time.

REVIEWS

‘An authoritative study of one of history's most feared and successful armies. . . . May concludes this definitive study by tracing the Mongol legacy to modern mechanized warfare.’ Publishers Weekly

‘The Mongol Art of War reflects the state of the field in Mongol military history. May expertly balances his narrative and analysis with little-known vignettes that bring the Mongol conquests to life. An indispensable resource for specialists, the books is written in a lively and engaging style that make it accessible to students and the interested public alike.’ Scott C. Levi, Ohio State University

‘Enlightening, well written and informative….It has great sections on medical care and logistics, so often ignored by other authors, and really captures the feel of the nature of eastern warfare in the 13th century.’ Military Illustrated

‘A valuable contribution to our understanding of the structure of the Mongol military and the reasons for the Mongols’ success against almost all of their adversaries in the thirteenth century….by providing a thorough, systematic analysis of several issues relating to the organization and projection of Mongol military power, Timothy May has produced a valuable contribution to our understanding of the Mongol Empire, its encounters with its neighbors and adversaries, and military history in general.’ Mamluk Studies Review

‘The Mongol Art of War is a high-quality book. It is a useful source of information for non-specialists and it offers a valuable insight into how the Mongol culture of war contrasts with that of other nomadic peoples and with the many opponents they fought and defeated.’ Études mongoles et sibériennes, centrasiatiques et tibétaines