The Mongol invasion of Alania was a significant campaign during the western expansion of the Mongol Empire, primarily targeting the Alans and neighboring North Caucasian tribes between 1238 and 1240. This campaign is noted for its complex military operations and the integration of local tribes into the Mongol military system.[2]
| Mongol invasion of Alania | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Mongol invasions | |||||||||
 Map of the Mongol Empire | |||||||||
| |||||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Mongol Empire | Kingdom of Alania and allied tribes | ||||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Ögedei Khan | Various Alan tribal leaders | ||||||||
| Strength | |||||||||
| ~60,000–120,000, including Mongol and allied forces[1] | Unknown | ||||||||
Prelude
editThe decision for a western campaign was made during a kurultai (Mongol council) in 1235 under Ögedei Khan, aiming to subjugate tribes such as the Kipchaks and the Alans, as well as other peoples in the western steppe. Alania was of strategic importance due to its control over key routes through the Caucasus.[3]
Mongol Invasion
editIn 1238, the Mongols launched a coordinated assault on Alania, led by generals such as Güyük Khan, Möngke Khan, and Buri. The campaign was marked by the use of the Mongols’ distinctive "encirclement" tactic, aimed at isolating strategic strongholds.[4] Alan forces, commanded by local leaders including the chieftain Tuqar, faced overwhelming Mongol numbers and suffered significant losses.[5][6]
Resistance and Guerrilla Warfare
editDespite the initial success of the Mongols, Alan forces and some neighboring tribes, including the Circassians, withdrew into the mountains. From these strongholds, they conducted a protracted guerrilla campaign against Mongol forces, using the rugged terrain to their advantage.[7] William of Rubruck, who visited the Caucasus in 1253, noted that the Circassians and Alans resisted Mongol rule and waged a continuous struggle, refusing to submit fully.[8]
Long-term Impact
editThe Mongol invasion had significant impacts on the social and political structure of Alania. Some Alan chieftains chose to ally with the Mongols, while others continued to resist. The Alans who aligned themselves with the Mongols were later integrated into Mongol military campaigns, including those against Kievan Rus' and the southern Russian principalities.[9]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Храпачевский Р. П. Армия монголов периода завоевания Древней Руси. М.: Квадрига, 2011, с. 197.
- ^ Рашид ад-Дин. Сборник летописей. Т. II. Пер. Ю. П. Верховского. М.: Наука, 1960.
- ^ Juvayni, A. The History of the World Conqueror. Translated by J.A. Boyle. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1958, p. 199.
- ^ Сокровенное сказание монголов. Юань-чао би-ши / Введение, пер. С.А. Козина. М.-Л.: АН СССР, 1941. С. 192–194.
- ^ Рашид ад-Дин. Сборник летописей. Т. II. М.-Л.: Наука, 1960. С. 39.
- ^ Кузнецов В.А. Очерки истории алан. Орджоникидзе: Ир, 1992. С. 258.
- ^ Анчабадзе, Г. Вайнахи. М.: Наука, 1991, с. 24.
- ^ Рубрук, Гийом де. Путешествие в восточные страны. Пер. С.А. Козина. М.-Л., 1957.
- ^ Minorsky, V.F. "The Alān Capital Magas and the Mongol Campaigns," in Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, Vol. 14, No. 2, 1952, pp. 221-238.