Genghis Khan's Army and Combat Rations - Survival Strategy on the Steppes
The Mongol cavalry led by Genghis Khan set the battlefields from Central Asia to Europe on fire, starting in the early 13th century, initiating a wave of world conquest called the "Pax Mongolica," and maximized the military's survival and combat power through innovations in combat rations. This article vividly illuminates the origins and composition of combat rations, as well as their influence on later cultures.
1. Two types of Mongolian food culture: Red food (Ulaan Idee) and White food (Tsagaan Idee)
Red food: A diet centered on meat, mainly consumed in the colder seasons of the four seasons—winter and spring White food: A diet centered on dairy products, enjoyed in the warmer seasons—summer and fall This distinction was not just a matter of taste, but the wisdom of the Mongols to control seasonal and nutritional balance.
2. The original jerky, Borcha
Borcha (a type of jerky) enjoyed by Genghis Khan's army is a nutritious combat ration made by removing the bones and internal organs of large livestock such as cows, sheep, and horses and drying them. Manufacturing method: Drying livestock meat using the cold winter climate → Drying it to the size of a soccer ball for easy storage, then crushing it and storing it Efficacy: High protein and fat content, allowing stamina to be maintained even during long marches and battles Thanks to jerky, Mongolian cavalrymen could replenish their energy at any time, and as a result, they were able to maintain their regimental military power even during long-distance expeditions.
3. Ancestor of the hamburger - Meat patty
The Mongolian army's meat patty is actually the origin of the modern hamburger. Storage and maturing method: After cutting the meat into small pieces, it is placed in a saddle and automatically compacted and matured by the vibration and body temperature of the horse. Marco Polo wrote: “The meat of one foal can feed 100 Mongolian warriors three meals a day.” This technique was introduced to Europe and led to the creation of the Tartar steak, the Hamburg steak, and today’s hamburger.
4. Emergency prescription for moisture and nutrition – horse blood
The most shocking scene among the Mongolian army’s survival techniques is drinking horse blood. Method: Lightly cut the jugular vein to collect blood → Mix with water or milk and drink Advantage: Horses can provide 0.5 liters of blood every ten days without major damage to their lives. Strategic use: Used as an immediate source of moisture and nutrition in times of water shortage or emergency. It was shocking to the enemy, but it went down in history as a practical raw food nutrition method for survival.
5. King of Fermented Milk – Kumis (Kumis / Airag)
**Kumis (airag)** is the representative dairy product combat ration of the Mongol Empire. Ingredients: Horse milk Manufacturing method: Put raw milk in a leather bag or barrel and stir to ferment Yeast and lactic acid bacteria work to produce weak alcohol (0.7-3%) and carbonation Function: Hydration + Energy supply (sugar, fat, protein) + Strengthening immunity Kumis was also used as a gift and ceremonial material during endless long-distance expeditions, and is still loved as a traditional drink in Mongolia and Kazakhstan today.
6. Harmony strategy of dairy products and grains
Mainly dairy products produced from milk of horses, sheep, cows, and camels throughout the four seasons Extended storage period of dairy products with butter, cheese, and qurut (dried dairy products) Wheat, cotton, and spices were introduced through trade with settled areas, and noodles and noodles were also enjoyed
7. Wild gathering and hunting strategy
Mongol cavalrymen did not neglect wild gathering and hunting. They hunted various wild animals such as deer, wild boars, marmots, foxes, and birds They also used wild vegetables, roots, mushrooms, and wild berries as supplementary elements of their combat diet Hunting and gathering played an important role in diversifying combat rations.
8. Resource Recycling – Utilizing All Parts of the Horse
The Mongol army utilized all parts of the horse as a battle tool, as well as for people and logistics: Leather: Used for armor, bow strings, ropes, leather drums, etc. Hair: Used for decorations, strings of musical instruments (maldurum zither), etc. Dung: Fuel for stoves Innards, blood, bones: Medical, sausages, food resources In this way, the horse was a mobile and weaponized food and supply base.
9. Calorie and Nutritional Estimation
Horse meat vs. lamb vs. beef Beef: Approximately 1,073 kcal/pound Lamb: 1,834 kcal/pound Horse meat: 1,855 kcal/pound Dairy products are also high in calories, so the Mongols consumed enough energy to overcome the climate, terrain, and combat environment Selecting food resources with such high energy density was key to high-intensity combat and long-term survival.
10. Become a combat power enhancement specialist
All of these food strategies were part of a comprehensive tactic that combined the mobility, endurance, and combat power of the Mongol cavalry: Role as combat rations Borcha Light, high-calorie emergency rations Patties Fast meat consumption while on the move Horse blood Emergency water and nutrition supplements Kumis Water + immunity + alcohol supplements Securing diversity in foraging/hunting diets Utilizing horse resources Equipment, supply, and accumulation strategies -> Each element combined to form the survival foundation of the Mongol army that could sustain combat power even on the road.
11. Footprints left on later cultures
This strategy was not limited to simple military convenience, but also left traces on modern food culture. Jerky → Currently popular outdoor snack Meat patty → Leading to hamburger patty, tartar, and hamburger steak Kumis → Continues to be a traditional fermented beverage in Mongolia and Central Asia today In this way, their food innovation influenced outdoor leisure culture, processed food industry, and fermented beverage trends.
12. Conclusion: ‘Total survival skills’ in the grasslands
Genghis Khan’s army did not simply pillage and conquer. It is no exaggeration to say that they commanded the world because they had a comprehensive strategy to understand and utilize the survival environment. Food strategy encompassing climate, weapons, and strategy The source of predation, not a comeback A link from ancient times to modern times The jerky, hamburgers, and fermented beverages that we enjoy today originated from the survival wisdom of the 13th-century battlefields in the grasslands. Wouldn’t it be interesting to reexamine history as a story on the dinner table?
