What a Samurai vs. Mongol Battle Really Looked Like
Support our channel here! https://www.patreon.com/historydose Merch store: https://www.redbubble.com/people/historydose/shop?ref=artist_title_name LIKE THE ARTWORK? Purchase some of the original art in poster, print, or framed formats here: https://joseph-feely.pixels.com/collections/history+dose?sort=recentlyadded The clash of two legendary and feared classes of warrior: the Mongols and the samurai. They meet on the beaches of Tsushima. What did combat between them look like? Misconceptions persist about this question: from the belief that samurai attempted “single combat” dueling to the idea that Mongols utterly dominated the samurai on the battlefield. Today, we look at the fascinating warfare that characterized the first and second Mongol invasions. An enormous thanks to all of Patreon supporters, especially Sean and ThemeFinland! Our patrons help make this channel sustainable and allow us to continue to improve the quality of our content! —————————— We've been playing through the Ghost of Tsushima and it's an incredibly fun, well-polished, and beautiful game. Want to experience this stylistic take on Tsushima's Mongol invasion? Follow our our affiliate link to the game! https://amzn.to/33YpYMQ Cartwright, Mark. “The Mongol Invasions of Japan, 1274 & 1281 CE.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 2 July 2019, www.ancient.eu/article/1415/the-mongol-invasions-of-japan-1274--1281-ce/. Conlan, Thomas. In Little Need of Divine Intervention: Takezaki Suenaga’s Scrolls of the Mongol Invasions of Japan. East Asia Program, Cornell University, 2001. —. “Mongol Invasions of Japan 1274 and 1281.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, digital.princeton.edu/mongol-invasions/map/index.html. —. “Scrolls of the Mongol Invasions of Japan.” Princeton University, The Trustees of Princeton University, digital.princeton.edu/mongol-scrolls/. Friday, Karl F. Samurai, Warfare & the State in Early Medieval Japan. Routledge, 2005. Turnbull, Stephen R., and Richard Hook. The Mongol Invasions of Japan, 1274 and 1281. Osprey Publishing, 2010.
What a Samurai vs. Mongol Battle Really Looked Like
[Music] The Mongol Invasion of Japan
This section delves into the Mongol invasion of Japan in 1274 and 1281, highlighting the clash between the Mongols and the Japanese samurai.
Prelude to Invasion
- In 1274, the islanders of Tsushima notice dark figures on the horizon, signaling the arrival of the Mongol invasion fleet.
- Kublai Khan sends a letter to Japan, urging submission to Mongol rule. The Japanese face a dilemma: submit and become subjects or risk devastating consequences.
Initial Conflict on Tsushima
- The Mongols demand Japan's submission. Local governor So Sukakuni leads samurai against them but faces overwhelming numbers.
- Samurai fight valiantly but struggle against unfamiliar Mongol tactics and archery skills.
Battle Escalation and Defeat
- Despite initial success by samurai, Mongol tactics prove superior. The defenders are outnumbered and suffer heavy losses.
- Samurai's expertise in close combat is challenged as they face relentless Mongol attacks. Tsushima falls under Mongol control.
Subsequent Events and Second Invasion
- After ravaging Tsushima, the Mongols move towards Iki Island before advancing to mainland Japan.
- Psychological warfare tactics intensify as female islanders are displayed on bows. The battle escalates with gunpowder bombs and fierce combat.
Resistance and Final Stand
- Individual samurai like Takazaki Suinaga display valor but face harsh realities of war. Their resistance is met with brutal counterattacks.
- Following initial defeats, Japan mourns its losses while preparing for potential future invasions from the formidable Mongol Empire.
The Mongol Invasion of Japan: A Failed Attempt
This section delves into the failed Mongol invasion of Japan, highlighting key events and outcomes of the conflict.
The Initial Invasion
- The Japanese officer Takazaki Suinaga eagerly joins the battle by attacking a Mongol ship on an outgoing Japanese boat.
The Shift in Momentum
- The massive southern fleet from newly conquered southern China reaches Japan, making the invading army three times larger than before.
The Typhoon's Impact
- A typhoon overtakes the bay during a battle at Takashima Island, destroying hundreds of Mongol ships and forcing a Japanese retreat.
Aftermath of the Invasion
- Thousands of dead and alive Mongols wash up on Japanese beaches after the typhoon. Survivors plan to sail home but are captured by the Japanese, leading to executions.
Legacy of the Invasion
This section explores the aftermath and repercussions of the failed Mongol invasion on both sides.
Treatment of Captives
- Southern Chinese were spared as they were seen as old allies recently under Mongol control. However, all other captives including Koreans and northern Chinese were executed by the Japanese.
Recognition and Rewards
- Samurai like Kawano Michiari are honored as heroes for their roles in repelling the invasion. Takazaki Suinaga's exploits are documented in scrolls for government rewards.
Conclusion: Defeat of Kublai Khan
This section concludes with reflections on Kublai Khan's failed attempts to conquer Japan.
Final Defeat
- Despite claiming dominion over vast territories, Kublai Khan fails in his final attempt to conquer Japan, marking a significant defeat for him and the Mongol Empire.