The Feigned Retreat: The Mongols' Favourite Tactic

Few tactics of the Mongol Empire are as famous as the feigned retreat. Here, we discuss why it was so effective, and why so many people kept falling for it. Much of this is equally applicable to other steppe armies as well, though we stick to the Mongols for this one.
I've never done a video on tactics, before, since I've never had a way to 'animate' units before. So feedback on the 'animations' is appreciated, and better methods for discussing the tactics in future.
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The Kalka River, 1223: • Jebe and Subutai: The ...
SOURCES:
Mission to Asia: Narratives and Letters of the Franciscan Missionaries in Mongolia and China in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries. Translated by a Nun of Stanbrook Abby. Edited by Christopher Dawson. New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1966. archive.org/de... John de Plano Carpini starts page 3.
May, Timothy. The Mongol Art of War: Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Military System. Pen & Sword, 2007.
Music is provided by Epidemic Sound. www.epidemicsou...
#mongolempire #genghiskhan #mongoldocumentary

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Few tactics of the Mongol Empire are as famous as the feigned retreat. Here, we discuss why it was so effective, and why so many people kept falling for it. Much of this is equally applicable to other steppe armies as well, though we stick to the Mongols for this one. I've never done a video on tactics, before, since I've never had a way to 'animate' units before. So feedback on the 'animations' is appreciated, and better methods for discussing the tactics in future. But if you guys like this, we'll do some more! DONATIONS Paypal: paypal.me/thejackmeister?locale.x=en_US Patreon: www.patreon.com/jackmeister Facebook: facebook.com/TheJackmeister/ SOURCES: Mission to Asia: Narratives and Letters of the Franciscan Missionaries in Mongolia and China in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Centuries. Translated by a Nun of Stanbrook Abby. Edited by Christopher Dawson. New York: Harper Torchbooks, 1966. archive.org/details/Dawson1966MissionToAsia John de Plano Carpini starts page 3. May, Timothy. The Mongol Art of War: Chinggis Khan and the Mongol Military System. Pen & Sword, 2007.

[@djurahracovec5450]

artist's depiction of the battle of winterfel hahaha, i love it

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

They forgot the 'show' part of 'show, don't tell.'

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

I had actually tried to get a screenshot of the charge, but it was so dark and blurry that there wasn't much point to bother. Of course, we know how much audiences hate to be able to tell what is going on.

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

As you can see, I experimented with a few new things here: how did you like it? How could I improve on them? Will my laptop handle exporting something like this again? All good questions. I'm not sure why, but somewhere in the process the image quality on some gets wrecked, but it's not apparent in the editor, Lightworks. So thought's on that would be valued too!

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Basic animations make discussing things like tactics much easier to follow. This was my first real experiment with such things, so I'm interested to see where I can take it in future. I don't want this channel to be just discussing tactics and things - Bazbattles and Kings and Generals are far better at that kind of visual aspect for such things- but it's useful to be able to incorporate it as necessary. I could describe as caracole or reigned retreat as best I could- but to be able to see a 'recreation' in motion is, perhaps literally, worth a thousand words.

[@d.m.collins1501]

This video is great! I really like the animations, and the whole thing feels informative while also seeming like it was super fun to create! If you'd like some constructive criticism, I would maybe suggest using military map symbols in your battle animations (rectangles with X's in them for infantry, rectangles with a diagonal line through them for cavalry, etc). Right now you're using red and blue rectangles, which is a good start, but it might be easier to illustrate the whole point about feigned retreats if we see a bunch of blue boxes signifying "cavalry" flanking or in front of blue boxes signifying infantry or machines of war, etc. Then we could see how the Mongol cavalry (in red cavalry boxes) goads the blue cavalry into giving chase, peeling away the cavalry symbols from the safety of all those infantry symbols ... this is basically the norm for this sort of video, as all us KZbin history addicts know.

[@d.m.collins1501]

... though intended for more modern military history maps, the Armchair General made a good infographic of various military map symbols: armchairgeneral.com/acgs-basic-guide-to-military-unit-symbols.htm

[@HikmaHistory]

Videos are getting much better from a visual perspective - the drawings are great and the background has a historical feel to it!

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Thank you! The background was actually taken from a Ilkhanate (or slightly post-Ilkhanate) painting which I cropped out the horse and rider out of. I figured that I can do the research, but maybe I should put a bit more time into the visual component...

[@HikmaHistory]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory yh man, I think you'll reap the benefits of it soon enough!

[@ГрустныйДобряк]

@@HikmaHistory Привет и Скажи мне Был Крестовый поход на Персию🇮🇷⚔🇪🇦✝️⚔☪️Иран🇮🇷⚔🇪🇦✝️⚔☪️🇮🇶⚔🇨🇵✝️

[@tjdecena4477]

Thank you kind sir! I always loved videos on the Mongol Empire!

[@troydavis1]

Hey Jackmeister! you should put in the description the links to your own videos explaining some of the events you mention, like the battles at the Kalka river and at Ein Jalout, so its easier to then jump to those!!! Merry Christmas, even though Eternal Blue Heaven cares little about that pagan (for the Mongols) levantine/western occidental ritual :-)

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Ah, normally I do, but I forgot to add them on this one. I did try putting a card onscreen when Kalka got mentioned, but honestly I don't I've ever clicked one when watching something, so I don't know if anyone will. I don't actually have a video on Ain Jalut yet, unfortunately. Anyway, here's a link to Kalka: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqa8nZl-qs-rh9E Happy Holidays!

[@turmunhkganba1705]

Have you ever visited Mongolia? If you do I think the National history museum would interest you, though the nature is why a lot of people go here.

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Unfortunately, I've never had a chance to go to Mongolia yet - but I hope to soon within the next few years. But I would give plenty of notice on this channel if and when that would happen, so people could provide me the full list of things I should try. It has been several years since I have been able to ride a horse, so I would like to get a chance to do that again.

[@telmuuun1131]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory I am a Mongolian and specifically work in the tourism industry. So kindly hmu when you are planning your visit and I can give you some directions.

[@munkhzulbatsukh4424]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory I am Mongolian and if you visit Mongolia i happy to guide you.

[@DarkKhagan]

Excellent explanation of feigned retreat and Parthian shot. Incidentally most of the steppe warrior societies, if not all, utilized feigned retreat and the Parthian shot from the Scythians to the various and many other Steppe Peoples throughout history.

[@kato13083]

Not necessarily a Mongol tactic, various nomadic steppe tribes used it throughout history, with the parthians utilizing it against the Romans so effectively hence the "parthian shot"

[@marcomongke3116]

Chinggis khan also rewarded and promoted the frontline soldiers, which mostly were enemy captures or convicts, if they showed bravery in the battlefield. All of which motivated many of his enemies to serve him willingly and honestly in the end.

[@freealliance2505]

Really cool channel...quality content

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Thank you sir!

[@crookedpaths6612]

That's how the Norman's defeated the AngloSaxons. Repeated charges and retreats until the AS broke formation in pursuit and were cutdown.

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

A difficult tactic to pull off, but when done correctly, it has been effective everywhere.

[@gastoncourty7462]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory d

[@leg7259]

Man good stuff. Needed my fix.

[@tumenodnuud4101]

Your channel is pretty cool 😎😎😎👍👌

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Thank you kindly!

[@waqqas800]

A failed feigned retreat was the second battle of aurelian vs zenobia. The palmyrian army caught up forcing a general engagement and the roman army rallied.

[@thenoblepoptart]

In Dark Souls they call this maneuver the “Turn and burn”

[@ozansimitciler5781]

i think discipline was an important factor. You would expect steppe armies to fall into that trap less often, since it was rather common among them, yet it seems they fell to it constantly. I think it might be due to discipline. Even if a commander recognize the trap, if troops aren't disciplined enough they wouldn't stop the chase, probably most wouldn't even notice the command in the heat of combat or pursuit. I think when two steppe armies clashed, most of the time both had in mind doing a feigned retreat, but the more disciplined one had a better chance to pull it.

[@elijahfunk2710]

Excelent art. Well done.

[@wladyslawderstreiter9078]

Great Video!

[@wheresmyeyebrow1608]

Found this channel from you commenting on ‘Voices of the Past’ Pretty cool

[@Hope-Truth-Light]

Awesome

[@apreciadordebelasartes]

Nice content.

[@turhanevirgen506]

In turkey we call "The Feigned Retreat" Turan/Hilal tactic. And even ottomans used this tactic to byzntine, serbia, hungary and templar knights.(manzikerts, Kosova,nicopolis,mohac etc.)

[@majomhaha5026]

The magyars and huns also used this tactic in the early days, its a steppe tactic developed and used by steppe peoples

[@utkarshyadav8133]

Nice video and even better research to accompany it. I suggest you to make a video on the Mongol incursions into India and why they could not gain a permanent foothold in the region because of the Turkic sultans . Was it because of the similarity in their tactics it some other reasons the Mongol khanates didn't chose to pursue their conquest and left after repeated attacks and looting the place.

[@ulf___]

Ok this shit is good. Subbed!

[@oslonorway547]

👍 Was also a favorite tactic of Spartans.

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

It's hardly unique to the Mongols - I focused on them here as that is the focus of the channel, obviously- but it is a true and tested tactic across history. Many of the basic points here would be just as applicable to any other users of the tactic. The Mongols used it so often and with so much success, that they are well associated with it.

[@ГрустныйДобряк]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory Привет и Скажи мне Был Крестовый поход на Монголию🇲🇳⚔🇵🇹✝️⚔☪️

[@majungasaurusaaaa]

How do heavy infantrymen who have the reputation for holding their ground fanatically execute a feigned retreat? In order to attain mobility for such a maneuver to look convincing, one must discard the shield first. That's the last thing a hoplite wanted to do.

[@areaxisthegurkha]

@@majungasaurusaaaa it looks convincing when your army comprises of nothing but Infantry Men.

[@vedantateacher9080]

The graphics remind me of the old computer game Pong.

[@Daylon91]

The feigned retreat was used across all horse cultures. The native Americans on the plains used it to great success against the horse soldiers of the Spanish, Mexicans, and Americans. It was said that white officers were easy to anger and always fell for a feigned retreat.

[@julvadas]

Hey man, love your videos! Any plans on doing video about Karaims, the reason i ask because they were personal guards of grand duke of Lithuania in 15century, and there descendants are still living in my country. Another interesting fact that Lithuanian forces in battle of grunwald used feigned retreat, could this be an influence of nomadic allies. Cheers

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

Something in future to cover I think. I hope to in future have a full library on various steppe peoples before the Mongols, and on their successors. So especially little known ones like the Karaims I'd love to cover. Another interesting tidbit with Grunwald: one of Toqtamish Khan's sons, Jalal al-Din bin Toqtamish, fought alongside the Lithuanians at Grunwald. I believe they're the ancestors of the Lipka Tatars

[@mongopunisher91]

Do you see this happening now?

[@dbuyandelger]

Works evrytiem

[@inxxxes]

you must read about Posada batlle , entire hungarian army vamquished in same style and tactics

[@cudanmang_theog]

94k mongol warriors were killed or captives on bach dang river in one single day 9 april 1288. -the decisive military defeat ended mongol vietnamese war Dear mogol fans

[@thenoblepoptart]

Really interesting stuff, it seems the mongols did a poor job in moist climates, worse bow strings I guess?

[@SxVaNm345]

What does a soccer player say when he scores a goal on a monday? “Mon-gol.”

[@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory]

I Khan't believe you wrote that...

[@SxVaNm345]

@@TheJackmeisterMongolHistory Neither khan I...

[@megaponful]

Russia using Mongol tactics in ukraine be like

[@turmunhkganba1705]

+++

[@haronkhan-pz3fp]

All mongol chines hazara tajik uzbek farsi

[@MrJustin1232000]

baited

[@haronkhan-pz3fp]

Bro pashtoon history read bro

[@AqeelKhan4749]

Interesting Take of the Author of those times who were manged to document not all but few basic tactics of outplaying the enemies within or behind the enemy lines.!! Pulling back doesn't mean moving in.!! Giving doesn't mean Taking.!! One must Earn it with Trust and Respect.!! The human nature of perceiving the victory is short-lived when they feel in their imagination, imaginary Horses Fly.!! Killing is not Winning.!! Conquering that particular human nature by making them fight alongside is a Victory..!!~~.0.!! Wisdom leads you to be wise.!! Man or woman, Either make a reasonable argument to live or die with dignity may well be accepted, if not Obey the Command of your commander who has been commanded to do just That.!! You decide.!! Mongol Empire.!! Will Rise again.!! With dignity and respect to ALL regardless of any Religion this time.!! This is what GOD LORD ALLAH BUDDHA BUGWAN The CREATOR of all creatures and creation COMMANDS.!! Obey.!! Mongols have been used by Humans and got sucked into their Religiously motivated WARS without any Cause.!! So did the SLavs.!! Result? Devastating Destruction not only for Humankind but none Human not moving still and all kinds including Entire planet Earth.!! Mongols and Slavs Loved Nature with deep Respect before they loved anyone Else.!! Fact.!! Hunger KILLS.!! Peace and Love.!!~~

[@troydavis1]

sorry, the Mongols were not religiously motivated, but motivated by pure human desire for power, to conquer and dominate the entire world. Please think before wtiting nonsense, you are just making yourself ridiculous for the entire world to see. If you were a mongol soldier, your chief would send back or punish you for not thinking straight and being a danger to yourself and your unit!

[@troydavis1]

@@AqeelKhan4749 ok, youre now not just being an idiot, but an insulting idiot and a criminal one calling for murder. Stop it before Eternal Blue Heaven sends down a lightning bolt and fries you. And you are crossing the line when you say you would murder me, that is despicable and cowardly. You are not fit to be in civilised company. And I am not slavic, you nincompoop, i am a mixture of germanic and celtic and latin. Once again, you say total nonsense out of ignorance; You made my point, you dont think before you write, you just react like an animal or an ignorant human. At least i am civilised that i dont call for your murder, but just for your dismissal from the Mongol army, event if you were a lowly soldier.

[@kensin7244]

whooo 347th comment ;-D

[@Mehmet-s7o]

Feigned retreat is turkish tactic. Not mongol

[@sinancalskan9010]

Videoda bu moğol taktiğidir denmiyor. Moğolların en sevdiği taktik deniyor. Ayrıca bu taktiği bozkırlarda yaşayan her toplum kullanmış. Saçma sapan otu boku türk ilan etmekten vazgeç.

[@Mehmet-s7o]

@@sinancalskan9010 sadece mogolar kullaniyomus gibi acikliyorlar ama

[@magi4563]

LMAO Dude Turkey can't shoot arrows BTW :P even can't ride a horse properly!

[@sinancalskan9010]

@@magi4563 lul

[@papazataklaattiranimam]

@@sinancalskan9010 ama harbi türklere ait şeyleri moğol gösterme işini çok yapıyorlar

[@haronkhan-pz3fp]

Bro pashtoon history read bro