The army of Genghis Khan was organised intoa)clan.b)decimal units.c)ki...
Genghis Khan developed his army by dismantling the old tribal identities of the different groups who joined his confederacy. He organised his army according to the old steppe system of decimal units, i.e., in divisions of 10s, 100s, 1,000s and [notionally] 10,000 soldiers.
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The army of Genghis Khan was organised intoa)clan.b)decimal units.c)ki...
Genghis Khan and his Army Organization
The army of Genghis Khan, the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, was highly organized and played a crucial role in his military successes. It was structured in a unique way that allowed for efficient command and control, adaptability, and rapid expansion. One of the key organizational features of his army was the use of decimal units.
Decimal Units
The army of Genghis Khan was divided into decimal units, which means that the soldiers were organized in units of ten. This hierarchical structure provided flexibility and ease of command. The army was divided into various levels, each consisting of ten soldiers, and these levels were stacked to form larger units.
Organization and Command Structure
The basic unit of the Mongol army was the "arban," which consisted of ten men. Ten arbans formed a "zagun," which was led by a "zaghun-uur" or "captain." Ten zaguns constituted a "mingghan," and ten mingghans formed a "tumen" or "unit." Each tumen was led by a "tumen commander" or "tumushi."
This decimal system allowed for easy expansion and contraction of the army. When Genghis Khan wanted to increase the size of his army, he simply had to add more units, following the decimal structure. This organization facilitated rapid mobilization and quick decision-making on the battlefield.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The decimal organization of the army also allowed for flexibility and adaptability. The units could be easily split or merged to meet the requirements of a particular situation. This flexibility enabled Genghis Khan's army to engage in different types of warfare, including open-field battles, sieges, and raids.
Moreover, this organizational structure facilitated effective communication and coordination. Orders could be quickly and efficiently transmitted through the hierarchical chain of command, allowing for swift and coordinated actions.
Conclusion
The decimal organization of Genghis Khan's army provided a solid foundation for its success. It allowed for efficient command and control, adaptability, and rapid expansion. This unique structure played a significant role in the Mongol Empire's military conquests and ensured the army's dominance on the battlefield.