active policies to seize new lands in the 12-13 th centuries, contributed to the rise of nomadic pastoralism and the desire to capture the mythical untold riches neighboring more developed countries.But the campaign against Novgorod, Batu did not take place.Since nomads produces nothing but food for their needs, luxury items or battered them in the course of trade, or (which was often) in the process of looting and robbery.The neighboring countries have seen a decline Mongols and internal strife, the possibility to start a war of conquest were perfect.Let us examine why Baty did not go to Novgorod.
Dimensions possessions of Genghis Khan in the 13th century
Great Khan's troops seized the following areas:
- Central and Middle Asia.
- southern Siberia.
- Khorezm two empires.
- North Caucasus.
- defeat of the Georgian-Armenian forces and Alans.
- Sea of Azov.
- defeated the Russian-Polovtsian association in the district.Kalka.
After the death of Genghis Khan in 1227 ownership of the Mongol empire was divided into several ulus.Rulers have become his sons and grandsons.
decision Mongols to march to the West
decision of the conquest of Russian territory was made a general meeting of the Mongol nobility (Kurultai) in 1235.Mongolia thoroughly preparing for war.Several princes, generals and best nukers Mongols took part in these many years of hostilities.As the western empire of nomads got possession of Batu, the grandson of Genghis Khan, he led an expedition to these rich lands.The purpose of it was Eastern Europe.
Home invasion of Batu
order to secure their rear, Batu defeated Polovtsian tribes first, then destroyed the Volga Bulgaria.This state has ceased to exist.In 1237 the nomadic army went on the North-Eastern Russia.During the invasion of Mongols burned and severely ravaged the following cities:
- Ryazan fell after a week-long siege.
- Burned Kolomna, Tver, Pereyaslavl, Moscow.
- After 4 days of siege, stormed and burnt Vladimir.
- 2 weeks heroically resisted, but then fell Torzhok.
huge number of large and small towns of the Northeast of Russia were destroyed along with the residents during the autumn-winter 1237-1238 years time.The onset of spring rains and the inability to move heavy carts on the muddy ground became one of the reasons why Baty did not go to Novgorod.The Mongols did not reach the city some 100 km.
second invasion of Batu troops
continue military captures a year, again in the autumn-winter.Captured the Crimea, he fell and was burned Kiev, Galich, Vladimir-Volyn, other cities in the south and west of Russia.Then Batu divided his army.Some went to Poland and Hungary, the other - to the Baltic coast.
Batu Why not go to Novgorod?Because his troops moved in the other direction.Captured Sandomierz, Lublin, Krakow, Wroclaw.Polish and German knights were defeated.Mongol hordes occupied Hungary, Austria, Croatia, Dalmatia, the Czech Republic, came to Vienna, was close to Venice.Victorious conquer Europe Batu broke, having received information about the death of Khan Udegeya in Karakorum.However he returned to Mongolia, Batu Khan founded the state in the lower Volga, called the Golden Horde.Its borders stretched from the Danube to the Irtysh.
And how Novgorod?
question of when Baty captured Novgorod, has one answer: it does not happen.The second Mongol invasion was not a single campaign.Batu led the capture of territories scattered series of attacks.Han, showing military power of the army, called for the city to submit its Nuker.Only stubbornly resisted the settlements were destroyed.
voluntarily surrendered settlement paid indemnity Khan horses, food and fodder.Besides the army of nomads with their cattle and carts could not fight in the normal conditions of ravines, forests, rivers and swamps.So swamps and spring thaw second time canceled a campaign against Novgorod, and Batu helped great city to remain impregnable.
At the same time Novgorod called for protection against the Livonian knights invaded the North-West of Russia, Alexander Nevsky.Perhaps the presence of this young commander with a team also played a role in saving the city from nomad raids.
Another version of the answer to the question about why Baty did not go to Novgorod, says that after the winter season in the Russian villages are practically no reserves of animal feed.Ruining of the village, taking the prepared for the winter hay peasants, nomads fed their horses and oxen.They had to stop in the area military action, as there was nothing to feed their cattle.
