Book Review: Mongol Warrior Versus European Knight: Eastern Europe 1237–42

A simplified, analytical, and enjoyable study of Mongol and European warfare

Mongol light and heavily-armed cavalrymen proved superior in their methods of attack as seen here in this painting of the Mongols at war. (Public Domain)

There can hardly be a better example of a clash of civilizations than when the Mongols and Europeans met on the battlefield. The Mongols, led by the Khans, established the largest contiguous land empire in human history, stretching across approximately 9 million square miles. Stephen Turnbull’s new book “Mongol Warrior Versus European Knight: Eastern Europe 1237–42” identifies how the Mongol warrior enabled the expansion of this vast empire.

Turnbull focuses on a short period between 1237 and 1242 when the Mongols invaded the lands of Poland and Hungary. In this historically analytic work, the author demonstrates why the Mongol Golden Horde of Batu Khan, grandson of Genghis, were able to outperform the knights in battle—covering everything from their weaponry to their military tactics.

Warrior Versus Knight

The author begins early on with breaking down the elements of a Mongol warrior and a European knight’s military gear―from weapons to uniform to how their horses were dressed and ornamented. The comparisons help the reader understand what were superior or inferior elements in both.

In one instance, Turnbull compares the elements that each is known for, but only one proves superior: The knights are known for their chainmail, while the Mongols are known for their archery. Turnbull points out that the chainmail was not effective against projectiles like arrows, therefore giving a very distinct advantage to the Mongols. This inefficiency required an additional layer of protection called “strapped cuirass,” but this, as well as chainmail, was only available for those who could afford it and for those who were aware of the latest military advancements. Additional negatives in this comparison was that the layer added to the weight knights had to carry, and it increased the chances for overheating (wearing metal, including helms, during summer months often proved detrimental).

Hungarian knights showed poor decision-making at the Battle of Mohi in 1241 and led to their defeat as seen in this painting. (Public Domain)

Along with this advantage, the Mongol light and heavily armed cavalrymen proved superior in their methods of attack. While the knights relied heavily on attacking in strict single line formation with their lances, all while being shot at by arrows, the Mongol cavalry charges were less restrictive. Their ability on horseback may have also been superior, as Turnbull noted that the Mongols learned to ride horses almost as soon as they learned to walk.

Military Tactics

One of the more devastating problems that plagued the knights of Hungary and Poland was their gullibility in falling for Mongol traps. As the author indicates, the “feigned retreat” was deployed numerous times by the Mongols―a trap that seemed almost irresistible to the knights. One very interesting aspect of warfare between the two was how it seemed the invaders (the Mongols) knew the landscape better than the defenders and used it to their advantage.

Turnbull’s clear and concise presentation demonstrates how the Mongols used the principles found in (though the book is not mentioned) Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War.” Choosing ground, using deception, engaging in battle with superior numbers, and creating an escape for the enemy are just some of the tactics used by the Mongol generals that often led to routs of the Europeans.

The author also points to poor decisions made by the European leaders and the common soldiers, like the Polish Duke Henry II’s impatience during the Battle of Liegnitz and the Hungarian knights’ late-night complacency along the Danube River during the Battle of Mohi.

Although Turnbull doesn’t mention it, the reader may come to the conclusion that the Polish and Hungarians simply weren’t used to warfare, at least not this kind and at this scale. The author does distinguish the European men of war for their fighting skill, specifically the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller, and some bishops. It is also noted that the Hungarians and the Polish eventually learned their lessons against the Mongols, although it took decades. (Turnbull refers to the winter of 1285–1286.)

A Comprehensive and Comprehensible Read

This book answers several questions about why the Europeans fell so quickly to the Golden Horde. One of the answers was economical. The Europeans often did not have means to bolster their defenses until later. When these defenses are established, the Mongols begin their withdrawal, although Turnbull discusses that better defense systems may not have contributed to the withdrawal. He discusses several reasons that are possible and dispenses with other long-held reasons.

Altogether, Turnbull has created an easy-to-follow, engaging, and enlightening work on how the Mongol warriors and European knights compared to each other and how each fared. For a short read, it is full of source material, interesting facts about the two civilizations’ militaries, and breakdowns of the battles, including maps and graphics. For anyone interested in the battles of the High Middle Ages, European knights, and the Mongol warriors, this is an enjoyable and educational read.

Stephen Turnbull's book compares the military tactics and skill of Mongol warriors and Eastern European Knights. (Osprey Publishing)

‘Mongol Warrior Versus European Knight: Eastern Europe 1237–42’ By Stephen Turnbull Osprey Publishing, Feb. 14, 2023 Paperback: 80 pages