I know this is a joke about the Mongols’ well-known pillaging, but it might be interesting to know that pillaging for supplies was the major supply source of almost all pre-modern armies. The exceptional part of the Mongols’ strategic mobility/logistical advantage comes from being able to transport all of those goods via horse (rather than foot or even cart), and by being able to keep a detachment of traditional nomads accompanying the army closely to maintain their herds of animals as a mobile food source. Very handy for resupply deep in enemy territory!
“It’s winter! How are you even going to move your logistics train through the snow and rough terrain?”
Mongol, on top of a horse: “What, like it’s hard?”
Why would we bring supplies with us, when villages full of free provisions are all over the place?
I know this is a joke about the Mongols’ well-known pillaging, but it might be interesting to know that pillaging for supplies was the major supply source of almost all pre-modern armies. The exceptional part of the Mongols’ strategic mobility/logistical advantage comes from being able to transport all of those goods via horse (rather than foot or even cart), and by being able to keep a detachment of traditional nomads accompanying the army closely to maintain their herds of animals as a mobile food source. Very handy for resupply deep in enemy territory!
Villages are great. Food to eat, supplies to repair and replenish our own, even women to entertain!
They’re going to entertain the women, right?
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right?
the mongols were the best traveling theatre troupe in the 12th century
They entertained the shit out of most of Asia.
Well, I laughed!