The Mongol Destruction of the Khwarazmian Empire

Genghis Khan embarks on the most horrifying revenge campaign in history after a burgeoning Persian empire attacks his caravans and emissaries. The Mongols showcase their famed mastery of warfare and their notorious penchant for massacre. Tales of silver poured into the eyes of enemies and pyramids of civilian bones color this episode in history.
*In describing the scene atop the walls of Otrar, Juvayni quotes from the Shahnama, an 11th-century Persian epic poem to fully illustrate the image of the approaching Mongol forces.
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SOURCES
Boyle, John Andrew. “Dynastic and Political History of the Il-Khans.” The Cambridge History of Iran, edited by John Andrew Boyle, vol. 5, Cambridge Univ. Pr., Cambridge, 1968, pp. 303–421.
McLynn, Frank. Genghis Khan: His Conquests, His Empire, His Legacy. Da Capo Press, 2015.
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[HistoryDose]

If you’d like to support the two-man horde that is History Dose, check out the Magellan link in the description! What would you like us to cover next?

[abstract]

Every king and emperor ever: _kills a Mongol messenger._

The Mongols: "How many times do we have to teach you this lesson old man?"

[EloSportsTalk]

filling a moat with prisoners then pushing siege works over the corpses is so insanely brutal that if I saw it in a movie I'd think it unrealistic overkill. my goodness.

[komradekupkek]

The Shah: *" I took a calculated risk, but man i'm bad at math "*

[owenb]

It's frightening how your king could make a decision which would subject you to these kinds of horrors. Defecting or surrendering was not an option. You just had to choose how you wanted to die

[YourBlackLocal]

People talk about the animation, but your writing ability is just phenomenal.

[Strat-Guides]

Wow, your ability to tell this story sent chills down the spine when Genghis Khan showed up. Thank you for this excellent production, looking forward to more!

[Ganjil]

You have to understand that after Gheghis khan’s death. The expansion rapidly increased. And at its peak, Mongols were fighting Japanese Samurai, entire China, entire Muslim world, German Teutonic knights all at the same time. Very busy people.

[MauriceTramble]

If you're afraid - don't do it, - if you're doing it - don't be afraid!
- Temujin

[TiberiusEmpire]

What amazed me the most is that the Mongols have fought the samurai and the European knights all in the same timeline

[jigmewangchuk]

I imagine when the Shah saw Genghis Khan for the first time, he had a red HP bar with a skull next to it. On a more serious note though, what a scary time to be alive, especially if you lived within those walls.

[Warmaker]

The Khwarazmian Empire was simply screwed here. At the time of this Mongolian invasion, the Mongols were at the peak of their power and unified under Genghis Khan. Their armies were campaign veterans and Genghis had a an array of top notch generals. Not only that, Genghis Khan led the invasion himself with his all star generals with him. Russia and a lot of Eastern Europe would feel this brutality also, the Khwarazmian Empire was only the first out west to be in line for it. The only reason the Mongol Invasion ended was due to Genghis Khan dying and protocol dictated the various leaders go home for the succession. With Genghis Khan's passing the Mongols were never quite as unified and focused as they were while being led by him.

[shaunfeere]

I love the artwork mixed with history. There is enough shown strategically to explain what is going on but the rest is pure humanic beauty. It is artwork that most would like to pretend isn't part of humanity's past. You two combining your independent loves into this channel is the best Ive found so far. I will add. I just found you two today.

[gareiis]

The "I am the wrath of God" quote is so famous and chilling. Really gives you a great sense of the man.

[BYOTools]

Can’t believe I found your channel through a joe Rogan post but so glad I did. Your content is amazing. Keep up the great work.

[mahmudbalazi]

Best history Channel out there, the narration and artwork is something else.

[SolidBaka]

The audacity of the mongols to cross the Tian Shan mountains into Kwarazmian territory and the realisation of the Shah Mohammed. This part always gets me 🔥

[Ironchalice]

Fun fact: His grandson Hulagu Khan, after destroying Baghdad and capturing Damascus, actually extracted a vassal tribute from the Crusader Prince of Antioch.

[joaovitorambrosiomilani]

Imagine you are just going back home from a trip you did, traveling months, and seeing a piramid of skulls of the population of the town you were living and the rest is on fire. I think that is the closest we can get to hell on earth.

[seanthornton]

You can tell when someone has a true passion for their work, this channel is what a passion for history looks like. He brings it to life like no one else