Subutai: Dog of War — Silent, Insatiable and Remorseless, Part II
For some great leaders and conquerors, names and actions have gone largely unnoticed through the annals of history. One such man of great influence but little renown, went by the name of Subutai.
Invasion into Central Europe: Battle of Liegnitz (1241)
Subutai planned the invasion of Central Europe, and did so with precision. This military expedition into Europe placed Subutai into the annals of great military leaders.
After beating down many of the Russian principalities, Subutai sent spies into Poland, Hungary, and even as far as to Austria. He was able to put together a dossier after gathering vital intelligence on the various kingdoms throughout Eastern Europe. Even though Subutai made the plans, his was under the command of Batu Khan.
Medieval Chinese drawing of young Batu Khan (14th century). (Public Domain)
While Batu Khan was the leader of this expedition, Subutai, Kadan Kahn, Orda Kahn, Baidar, and a slew of others were the muscle behind the plans. Subutai's mission was to attack Central Europe by spearheading into Hungary. Kadan's forces would punch north into Poland.
Subutai. Medieval Chinese drawing. (Public Domain)
Baidar led two Mongol tumans of soldiers westward into Silesia. The object was to destroy their European opponents before they could unite. Duke Henry II of Silesia on April 5, 1241 at Liegnitz was waiting for a force of 50,000 Bohemians under King Wenceslas. The Mongols were in the right place at the right time before the remaining forces could unite with Duke Henry. The Duke’s army was 25,000 strong consisting of Poles, Germans, Teutonic knights, Hospitallers, and Knights Templars. However, much of Henry’s army consisted of poorly trained, inexperienced levies. Can you image Bavarian gold miners fighting a battle for you?
