Simple invention made the Mongolian empire

The modest saddle pedal is a game-changing invention that changes history.

According to Arstechnica, when Temüjin established the name of the Cat Thanh Khan in 1206, the Mongol tribe was unified and isolated in Northeast Asia. In 1227 Genghis Khan died, Mongolia was now strong on the Pacific coast and the Caspian Sea. By 1241, Mongolia annexed Vienna (now the Capital of the Republic of Austria) and was the terror of Eastern European countries during the rest of the century.

The empire is said to be the largest contiguous colony in world history. It seems to stop Mongolia from having to place the Himalayas between them and the country they are targeting. Many historians argue that the power of this empire stems from a very simple technical innovation: a saddle pedal.

The Mongols helped the saddle pedal develop to a new level.

Nobody knows when the first saddle pedal was invented, but this item brings great benefits to the warriors. Even the simplest saddle pedals - leather rings, can help warriors sit on horseback longer and more firmly in battles. The military success of the ancient Cozak warriors was attributed to the use of leather pedals on horseback riding. The victories of Goth and Hung people are similar. Some argue that the saddle pedal even changed the role of power in the European region, from infantry to cavalry. These cavalry were called "armored tanks" by medieval historian Roman Johann Jarymowycz.

The Mongols helped the saddle pedal develop to a new level. Historians say that the Mongols used not only leather saddle pedals, but also metal. In 2016, archaeologists at the Mongolian Cultural Heritage Center excavated the grave of a Mongolian woman dating back to the 10th century AD. In addition to leather shoes and some clothes, this woman was buried with a saddle and a metal saddle pedal that, according to the description, is still very good.

The saddle pedal is a thick metal object with a rounded round head for hanging on a saddle strap and a wide, flat base for riders to ride. The legrests must be comfortable but still firm because the Mongols used them to ride extremely skillfully.

These 1,100-year-old horse saddle pedals are found in the Mongolian woman's grave in 2016. They are firmly reinforced, ensuring great flexibility for riders.

A general of the Song dynasty (960-1279) described the Mongols standing on the saddle, with "most of the weight on the calf, a small part of the force put down on the foot and ankle". Pedals help them to sit up straight and firm on horseback in the most chaotic situation. These pedals are hung on wooden saddles, high in the front and rear. Along with the continuous training on horseback, these saddles help the Mongols sit very firmly. Riders can balance without using their hands even when the horse wriggles, turns or even the rider himself rotates on horseback. Horse riders can thus flexibly use arrows to shoot arrows in any direction.

At the time most of the military won by just moving forward, the Mongols could both advance and retreat in their battle. When facing the opponent, the Mongolian cavalry was as fast as the wind moving forward, shooting arrows repeatedly, staging a fierce attack. When the distance with the opponent was only a few meters away, the Mongolian cavalry turned away and drew quickly.

The power of tactical withdrawal

Historian Thomas Craughwell explained that with the ability to rotate on the saddle , even when withdrawn, the Mongol cavalry could still shoot arrows backwards at the enemy. Because the Mongols continued to attack and retreated, the enemy forces became chaotic. Marco Polo, who witnessed Mongolian attack techniques, said: "They do not fall into the situation of frequent fights, but constantly ride around and shoot names at enemies."

If the traditional army is likened to a tank, the Mongolian cavalry is a fighter pilot. The initiative in moving helps them become unbeatable.

Illustrating the battle between Mongolia and China in 1211 in Rashid al-Din's Jami 'al-tawarikh History. In the picture, the Mongols stood on horseback when fighting.

When facing the risk of failure, the Mongolian soldiers will use psychological tactics. The cavalry will rotate the horse and pretend to withdraw. Opponents will often chase after, claiming that the victory is inclined to win. The Mongolian cavalry will then come back, tricking the "prey" who is drunk in victory. Next, the Mongolian gunners will rush into their enemies, the cavalry with full armor attacking with spear and spear. At that time, the fight was considered "done".

The emergence of the Mongolian Empire shows that technical innovation has set the stage for a new style of fighting that the military at the time could not resist. The Mongol Empire with the largest colony in the world did not form only thanks to a single element. Thousands of different elements helped Genghis Khan and his descendants conquer most of the continent. However, saddle pedals play an indispensable role in Mongolia's victories. The creation of the perfect saddle pedal has helped the Mongols, the Mongolian army has important positions in history.