Important data: Time period: Early History Warfare governed nomadic history from ancient times. Early Chinese chronicles recorded tales of northern horsemen who attacked their villages. Invading nomads continually overpowered neighboring settlements and each other. The conquering and conquered groups absorbed bits and pieces of each other's culture. But the core of Steppe life barely changed for centuries as a result of its contact with Chinese settlements. Early Tribal Politics Early steppe populations north of China were composed of groups of people who spoke variations of the Turkish language and the modern Mongol language. Families of blood relations formed clans and small hunting communities. In turn, many clans …show more content…
These Mongols developed better and better battle tactics to attack larger enemy forces. They relied on their abilities as horsemen, charioteers and warriors rather than on numbers to survive in battle. Unlimited horses gave Mongols the advantage of being able to avoid large-scale combat. Mongol history states that tribes never went into open battle unless they were assured of winning. With their nomadic lifestyle, the Mongols easily outmaneuvered their enemies. Common military strategy was to launch a swift surprise attack on a small group. This group lured defending enemy troops into a tiring chase. When their opponents grew weary, the majority of the steppe army pounced on the unsuspecting victims. Leaders of China, Persia, and other nations complained that steppe horsemen played by their own rules. Only nomads can conquer nomads. Tribal leaders are the best fighters and planners. Chiefs, or Khans, also arranged frequent migrations for survival in the constant fight against climate and geography. However, Khan and leaders changed with the blustery winds. When a chief's military success and leadership ability declined, tribes looked to new leaders for protection. Mongol history was full of change and yet certain patterns continued