Mongol Invasion of Europe

European Military Handicaps

• Headgear: European male coif weighed about 20 pounds; bucket-shaped helm added another 10 pounds.
• Equipment: Lance, shield, and broadsword made European horsemen carry over 300 pounds into battle.
• Comparison to Mongols: Europeans were less mobile compared to the light, quick Mongols.

Mongol Strategy

• Objective: Targeted the fertile plains of Hungary for grazing before moving deeper into Europe.
• Concerns: Wary of King of Hungary's relationship with Polish princes; needed to prevent Polish assistance.
• Strategy: Divided army to invade on two fronts, 600 miles apart:
  • Larger army through Carpathian Mountains toward Hungary.
  • Smaller contingent into Poland to distract and prevent aid to Hungary.

Invasion of Poland (February 1241)

• Surprise Attack: Polish city-states were caught off guard.
• Notable Event: Krakow's advance patrol ambushed and destroyed after being alerted by a trumpet alarm.
  • Legend: Trumpeter's call halted by a Mongol arrow.
• Destruction: Cities like Krakow, Lublin, and Breslau leveled; relics and treasures plundered.
• Impact: Alarm spread across Baltic cities prompting calls for European defense.

Invasion of Hungary

• Main Army Movement: Progressed through Carpathian Mountains' frozen passes, overwhelming Hungarians.
• Territorial Gains: Mongols swept through Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia.
• Historical Impact: Considered a terrifying chapter in Hungarian history, recorded in the Great Hungarian Chronicle.
• Internal Conflict: King Bela of Hungary faced issues with nobility refusing his command.

Conclusion

• Tactics: Mongols poised to draw Hungarian defenders out into open battle on selected ground.
• Outcome: Mongol strategy focused on mobility and strategic placement, contrasting with the heavily armored and less mobile European forces.