Before talking about the Vietnamese tactics to defend their homeland against the invasion of the Mongols, it’s important to understand the astonishing military tactics and organization that allowed the Mongol Empire to conquer vast territories across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Speed:
One of the Mongols’ most impressive advantages was their speed. Although Mongolian horses were small, they were incredibly hardy, self-sufficient, and had excellent stamina. Each Mongol soldier typically managed several horses and would rotate between them to maintain high speed without exhausting the animals. They traveled rapidly for days, often living off the land, which allowed them to carry minimal supplies. After conquering an area, they would seize food from local regions, further increasing their mobility. This extraordinary speed often shocked their enemies, providing a significant advantage during attacks. The mobility of individual soldiers also enabled successful scouting missions, gathering vital intelligence about routes and terrain for upcoming battles.
Loyalty:
Mongol officers and soldiers were given significant freedom in executing their tasks, as long as they adhered to the overall strategy and orders. This flexibility allowed them to avoid the rigid discipline that often hampered other armies throughout history. However, absolute loyalty to comrades, superiors, and especially the Khan, was mandatory. If one soldier fled in battle, he and the nine others in his unit faced execution together.
Spying:
The Mongols carefully gathered intelligence before any invasion. Prior to invading Europe, for instance, generals Batu and Subutai sent spies for nearly a decade to scout the continent, mapping roads, establishing trade routes, and assessing each territory’s ability to resist. Based on this intelligence, they adapted their tactics, sometimes diverting rivers, cutting off supplies, or draining resources by forcing refugees into the city, eventually leading to surrender.
Psychological Warfare:
The Mongols excelled at psychological warfare, using fear to subdue many enemies without fighting. They understood that sedentary populations, tied to specific locations, feared the destruction of their homes above all else. The Mongols would often offer enemies the chance to surrender and pay tribute, promising to spare the city. If refused, they would destroy the city, allowing a few survivors to spread tales of horror, inciting fear in others.
They also used deception effectively. For example, at night they would order each soldier to light multiple fires to create the illusion of a much larger force. Another tactic involved dragging branches behind horses to raise dust clouds, simulating a massive army. Additionally, having multiple horses allowed them to give mounts to prisoners or civilians to fake greater numbers, coercing the enemy into surrendering without a fight.
See also: Tran dynasty: the dynasty that defeated the Mongols 3 times
