Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire

Quick Facts: Who was Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire?

Subject:

Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire

Known for:

The devastating Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire (1219–1221).

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Between 1219 and 1221, the Mongol forces under Genghis Khan invaded the lands of the Khwarazmian Empire in Central Asia. The campaign, which followed the annexation of the Qara Khitai Khanate, saw widespread devastation and atrocities. The invasion marked the completion of the Mongol conquest of Central Asia, and began the Mongol conquest of Persia. Both belligerents, although large, had been formed recently: the Khwarazmian dynasty had expanded from their homeland to replace the Seljuk Empire in the late 1100s and early 1200s; nearly simultaneously, Genghis Khan had unified the Mongolic peoples and conquered the Western Xia dynasty. Although relations were initially cordial, Genghis was angered by a series of diplomatic provocations.

Career & Major Achievements

When a senior Mongol diplomat was executed by Khwarazmshah Muhammed II, the Khan mobilized his forces, estimated to be between 90,000 and 200,000 men, and invaded. The Shah's forces were widely dispersed and probably outnumbered—realizing his disadvantage, he decided to garrison his cities individually to bog the Mongols down. However, through excellent organization and planning, the Mongols were able to isolate and conquer the Transoxianan cities of Bukhara, Samarkand, and Gurganj. Genghis and his youngest son Tolui then laid waste to Khorasan, destroying Herat, Nishapur, and Merv, three of the largest cities in the world. Meanwhile, Muhammed II was forced into flight by the forces of Mongol generals Subutai and Jebe; unable to reach any bastions of support, he died destitute on an island in the Caspian Sea.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

His son and heir Jalal-al Din managed to mobilize substantial forces, defeating a Mongol general at the Battle of Parwan, but these were crushed by Genghis at the Battle of the Indus a few months later. After clearing up any remaining resistance, Genghis returned to his war against the Jin dynasty in 1223. The war was one of the bloodiest in human history, with total casualties estimated to be between two and fifteen million people. The subjugation of the Khwarazmian lands provided a base for the Mongols' later assaults on Georgia and the rest of Persia; when the empire later divided into separate khanates, the Persian lands formerly ruled by the Khwarazmids would be governed by the Ilkhanate, while the northern cities would be ruled by the Chagatai Khanate. The campaign, which saw the Mongols engage and defeat a non-sinicized state for the first time, was a pivotal moment in the growth of the Mongol Empire.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1219: 1219 Milestone — Between 1219 and 1221, the Mongol forces under Genghis Khan invaded the lands of the Khwarazmian Empire in Central Asia.
2. 1223: 1223 Milestone — After clearing up any remaining resistance, Genghis returned to his war against the Jin dynasty in 1223.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire

True or False: “Genghis Khan invaded the Khwarazmian Empire primarily because the Shah openly allied with the Jin Dynasty.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The primary catalyst was the execution of a senior Mongol diplomat by Khwarazmshah Muhammed II and subsequent affronts to Mongol envoys.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Minamoto no Sanetomo — Historical peer (Died in 1219) (1219): Third Shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate, a samurai and accomplished waka poet.
• Alfonso X of Castile — Historical peer (Born in 1221) (1221): King of Castile and León, known as 'the Wise,' patron of science and law.
• Bonaventure — Historical peer (Born in 1221) (1221): Influential Franciscan theologian and philosopher, known as the Seraphic Doctor.
• Baybars — Historical peer (Born in 1223) (1223): Mamluk Sultan who defeated the Mongols at Ain Jalut and crushed the Crusaders.
• Muqali — Historical peer (Died in 1223) (1223): Esteemed Mongol general and trusted second-in-command under Genghis Khan.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire