The Warrior Ghazan

By:

Shelby Sedberry

It was the year 1213 and a boy named Ghazan was being trained as a Mongol warrior. At the age of fifteen, Ghazan would learn the

Mongol war tactics, and how to use Mongol weaponry.

Ghazan was trained by his father, Munlik. Munlik was a famed Mongol General who

had never been wounded in a battle.

Before Ghazan could become a Mongol warrior, he had to learn the quality that separated Mongol warriors from their

enemies: discipline.

Ghazan then received his armor, a piece of lacquered leather and a helmet, which

would cover his upper body when he was in battle.

After Ghazan perfected the quality of discipline, he could now learn to use the

weapons that he would use in future conquests.

Munlik taught Ghazan to shoot a bow and arrow, use a lance, throw a hatchet, and use iron maces. Learning to use these weapons

would be essential in becoming a great Mongol warrior.

Next, Ghazan was taught the war tactics of the Mongols. Before battle the Mongols would meet in what was called a quriltai. Secondly, the army would be divided into tumens, armies made up of basic fighting

units.

Ghazan would be focused on two aspects: mobility and firepower. Since Ghazan had succeeded at learning how to use a bow and

arrow, he would be part of the Mongols next conquest, North China.

Firepower was essential in a Mongol invasion. A wall of arrows would stop the charge of armored knights, and pin them to

a certain location.

It was vital for Ghazan to learn mobility. Mobility in the Mongol army was crucial.

Ghazan learned to advance, fire, wheel, and retreat, in a repeated cycle. Only due to the Mongols unit integrity and mobility were

they able to complete this technique.

Ghazan began to feel nervous knowing that he would be involved in the conquest of China. He did not want to disappoint his father or

the Mongol army.

The day of the invasion Ghazan climbs atop his horse ready for battle. He looks to his

father, Munlik, he gives him an encouraging look. Ghazan knows due to

his training, he will do well in battle.

Ghazan gathers with the other Mongol warriors. At this time they know it is time

for the invasion.

As they separate into three different sections they storm down the hill into northern

China.

Ghazan does exactly what he has been trained to do. He fires his bow and arrows

perfectly in battle. On this day Ghazan has become a Mongol warrior.

After this battle Ghazan is proud, he knows that he has made his father and the Mongol

army proud.

Ghazan next fights in the Mongol conquest of Russia and the Middle East. Just like his

father Munlik, Ghazan has never been wounded in battle.

Ghazan does so well in battle that he gets promoted from warrior to being a General in the Mongol army. Ghazan is able to see

the Mongols rise to power.

Ghazan lived as an esteemed warrior and General in the Mongol army. He lived through each battle, and was part of the

Mongol conquest of China, the Middle East, and Russia.