How IVAN THE TERRIBLE Massacred 120,000 Mongol Horde Horsemen

Name: How IVAN THE TERRIBLE Massacred 120,000 Mongol Horde Horsemen
Uploaded: 2026-02-12T13:33:48.000Z
Duration: 2 h 20 min 38 s

The Siege of Moscow: Ivan IV's Strategic Genocide

The Threat of the Crimean Horde

The Crimean horde, consisting of 120,000 riders, advances towards Russia in July 1572, creating a terrifying atmosphere with the sounds of war.

Just a year prior, this same horde devastated Moscow, resulting in 80,000 deaths and widespread destruction. Only the Kremlin remained intact amidst the ruins.

Devlett Jere leads the horde with a mission to completely annihilate Russia rather than seeking tribute or negotiations. His army is described as the largest ever assembled by the Horde.

The approaching forces include elite cavalry and Ottoman janissaries alongside Turkish artillery, instilling fear throughout Moscow as citizens prepare for impending doom.

Amidst this chaos stands Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible), who has devised a plan involving a secret weapon—the Gulier Gar—a mobile fortress designed to counteract the overwhelming numbers of the horde.

Historical Context: The Mongol Yoke

The narrative shifts back to 1237 when Mongols under Batu Khan invaded Russia, leading to centuries of oppression known as "the yoke," where Russian princes were forced into submission and tribute payments.

This period saw not only economic exploitation but also cultural erasure through blood tributes that required noble families to send their sons as hostages to Mongol courts. Many never returned home unchanged or at all.

Resistance against Mongol rule was met with brutal retribution; entire cities were obliterated as a lesson against defiance. This established a culture of fear among Russian nobility and commoners alike.

Ivan III's Defiance and Rise of Ivan IV

In 1480, Ivan III successfully defied Mongol authority during a standoff on the Ugra River, marking an important moment in Russian history despite ongoing threats from remnants like the Crimean Khanate.

Born into turmoil in 1530, Ivan IV faced personal tragedies early on which shaped his worldview; he crowned himself Tsar at age 16—asserting dominance over all Rus' territories akin to Roman emperors.

By leading successful military campaigns against Kazan and Astrakhan in subsequent years (1552 & 1556), he expanded Russian territory significantly while establishing it as an emerging empire rather than just fragmented principalities.

Paranoia and Brutality: Creation of Oprichnina

Following personal losses—including his wife’s suspected poisoning—Ivan IV became increasingly paranoid about betrayal from nobles around him; this led him to form Oprichnina in 1565—a ruthless force tasked with eliminating perceived traitors through terror tactics.

Ivan the Terrible: A Dual Legacy

The Tyrant and the Innovator

Ivan IV, known as Ivan the Terrible, is remembered for his brutal reign marked by torture, executions, and property confiscation.

Despite his tyrannical image, Ivan was also a brilliant leader who established Russia's first printing press and reorganized the army with permanent musketeer regiments called Steltzy.

He expanded Russian territory into Siberia and understood that technology could overcome numerical superiority in warfare.

The 1571 Tartar Invasion

In spring 1571, Devlet Giray assembled a formidable army of 40,000 elite riders to demonstrate Russia's vulnerability.

On May 24th, the Tartars attacked Moscow, leading to widespread destruction; survivor accounts describe horrific scenes of death and chaos.

After three days of devastation, conservative estimates suggest around 80,000 people died in Moscow due to fire and panic.

Ivan's Response to Humiliation

Following the invasion's humiliation, Ivan realized he needed a revolutionary military strategy to survive against an impending larger attack in 1572.

During the harsh winter of 1571–72, he meticulously planned for a war of extermination rather than conventional battle due to weakened forces.

Military Reforms Under Vorotinsky

Ivan dismissed incompetent commanders from previous battles and appointed Prince Mikhail Vorotinsky as his new military leader.

Vorotinsky had extensive knowledge of Mongol tactics from personal experience as a prisoner and was given full authority over military resources.

Innovative Warfare Strategy: The Golier Gorad

To counteract Tartar cavalry advantages, Vorotinsky developed the Golier Gorad—mobile fortresses made from solid wooden walls designed for protection during combat.

These fortifications featured loopholes for muskets and cannons allowing soldiers to fight safely while minimizing exposure to enemy archery.

This innovative approach aimed at neutralizing Tartar mobility by creating an immovable defense that could withstand their hit-and-run tactics.

Battle Strategy Against the Tartars

The Importance of Terrain and Strategy

Vorotinsky's strategy relied on mobility and psychological terror, which the Gulier Goro eliminated. The plan required the Tartars to attack repeatedly until they were exhausted.

He studied the terrain south of Moscow for weeks, seeking a battlefield that was on the natural invasion path from Crimea, limiting enemy cavalry maneuverability with nearby forests and rivers.

The chosen location near Molo featured small rivers, dense forests, and low hills ideal for artillery positions, making it defensible yet not overly intimidating to lure in the Tartars.

Execution of the Trap

Vorotinsky designed a trap where a vulnerable vanguard would draw Tartar forces deeper into Russian territory before revealing his main army equipped with Gulier Gar.

This tactic aimed to cut off Tartar retreat options by trapping them between the Pakra River and Russian forces armed with muskets and cannons, leading to potential slaughter if executed correctly.

Training for Discipline

A critical aspect of Vorotinsky's plan was ensuring Russian soldiers maintained formation under pressure; he conducted extensive training drills focused on discipline during stressful conditions.

Soldiers were taught a fundamental rule: regardless of how many Tartars charged or how terrifying it seemed, they must stay within their defensive walls and continue firing.

Final Preparations Before Battle

In early summer 1572, Ivan visited troops positioned at camp before returning to Moscow. He emphasized there was no retreat—only fight for their families behind them.

As July approached, scouts reported that 120,000 riders from the Horde had crossed into Russia seeking another easy victory but were unaware of what awaited them.

Devlet Gerai's Ambitions

Devlet Gerai aimed not just for wealth but glory; he sought to restore Mongol dominion over Russia after burning Moscow in 1571 with Ottoman support.

With an army bolstered by elite janissaries and modern artillery from Constantinople, Devlet planned to crush resistance decisively while dragging Ivan back as a captive.

Underestimating the Enemy

Despite assembling one of history’s largest armies (120,000 warriors), Devlet underestimated his opponent—the Russians had developed an effective fighting force combining Mongol tactics with Ottoman technology.

The core of this army consisted of Murses—elite Tartar riders trained in mounted archery—who employed devastating tactics like feigned retreats to demoralize enemies effectively.

Tactics of the Tartar Horde

Overview of Military Strategy

The Tartar strategy involved breaking enemy formations and executing a heavy cavalry charge, which had proven effective against various European armies for centuries.

European forces struggled to counter the Tartar tactics due to their slow knights and disorganized infantry, leading to easy victories for the Tartars.

Composition of Forces

Devlett's army included elite Ottoman Janissaries, known for their discipline and advanced weaponry, enhancing both cavalry and infantry capabilities.

The technological superiority of Ottoman artillery allowed them to effectively breach fortifications and disrupt enemy formations in open fields.

Logistical Advantages

The Tartar logistical approach was efficient; warriors carried essential supplies while horses grazed on the march, enabling rapid movement across vast distances.

Psychological warfare played a crucial role; the Tartars cultivated a fearsome reputation through brutal tactics that instilled panic among enemies.

The Invasion Begins

Initial Movements

In late July 1572, the Tartar Horde crossed into Russian territory, raiding villages to gather resources and create chaos among Russian ranks.

Reports from Russian scouts indicated an overwhelming force approaching, heightening tensions as they prepared for confrontation.

Tactical Decisions by Devlett

Confident in his intelligence about Russian troop concentrations, Devlett aimed to destroy them before advancing on Moscow.

Initial skirmishes with Russian scouting forces revealed their retreating tactics but did not deter Devlett’s advance toward Moscow.

The Trap is Set

Encountering Resistance

As the horde advanced further into Russia, they faced organized resistance from Russian cavalry units who employed hit-and-run tactics.

Despite irritation at this delay tactic, Devlett remained confident that he would eventually corner the Russians.

Strategic Miscalculations

Unbeknownst to Devlett, his advances were leading him deeper into a trap set by Vorotinsky.

Upon discovering a mobile wooden fortification built by Russians near Maludai, Devlett decided against bypassing it and opted for direct engagement instead.

Impending Conflict

Build-Up to Battle

On July 28th, anticipation grew among Russian soldiers as they witnessed the massive horde approaching under clear skies.

Vorotinsky prepared his troops meticulously while observing from an elevated position; maintaining calm was critical as they awaited battle execution.

Battle Tactics and Strategies: The Encounter Between Russian Forces and Tartars

Initial Engagement

A vanguard of approximately 3,000 Russian and Kazakh riders was positioned 2 km south of the main position to provoke the Tartars, inflict casualties, and retreat toward a mobile fortress.

The Tartar Vanguard, consisting of about 10,000 light riders and archers, charged at the Russian line after assessing their position from 500 m away.

The Russians executed a planned retreat towards the Golier Gar fortress while mounted musketeers fired volleys that incapacitated many Tartar riders.

The Mobile Fortress

The Golier Gar was a formidable wooden structure stretching nearly 1 km long with musket loopholes and cannons mounted on platforms for defense.

As the pursuing Tartars approached within 100 meters of the fortress, they were met with devastating firepower from behind its walls, resulting in significant casualties among them.

Tactical Challenges for the Tartars

Devlet's frustration grew as he realized that flanking maneuvers would be hindered by dense forests while head-on assaults faced heavy fire from the Russians.

Despite having an army of 120,000 men capable of sustaining losses, Devlet ordered a large-scale assault using waves of Tartar riders to overwhelm the Russian defenses.

Assault Attempts

During dusk, thousands of Tartar riders charged at full gallop but found their arrows largely ineffective against the sturdy wooden walls of Golier Gar.

As they closed in to within 50 meters, Russian muskets opened fire causing chaos among advancing Tartars; subsequent waves suffered similar fates without breaching defenses.

Nightfall and Preparations for Day Two

After suffering around 1,000 casualties with no gains made during attacks, Devlet halted his forces for the night while Russians sustained fewer than 100 casualties.

The Russians utilized this time to repair damages and prepare for further assaults as Voratinsky recognized that Devlet would not withdraw easily.

Bombardment Begins

On day two, bombardment commenced with Ottoman artillery targeting Golier Gar; despite some damage inflicted by cannonballs hitting critical sections.

Voratinsky had anticipated this attack by reinforcing key areas and positioning his own cannons effectively to counterattack against Ottoman forces.

This structured summary captures key moments in the battle between Russian forces and Tartars while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Battle Dynamics and Tactical Shifts

Initial Assault and Response

The Janiseries launched a desperate charge with bayonets, managing to reach the walls and begin climbing, creating a moment of tension as it seemed they might break through.

Russian forces responded with brutal hand-to-hand combat at the walls, utilizing pikes and musket fire at close range. The situation escalated when Russian cannons fired grapeshot into clustered Janiseries, resulting in catastrophic losses for the Ottomans.

By noon, Devlet's forces had lost over 3,000 men including nearly 1,000 Janiseries while the Russians suffered around 400 casualties but maintained their defensive position intact.

Strategic Encirclement

Devlet grew increasingly frustrated as his initial plan to crush the Russians quickly faltered; he ordered a complete encirclement to cut off supplies instead of relying solely on frontal assaults.

Voratinsky was actively seeking reinforcements from Moscow while small groups of Cossacks managed to slip through Tartar lines at night to deliver essential supplies.

Changing Tactics Amidst Desperation

On the third day of battle under extreme heat and unbearable conditions due to rotting corpses, Devlet decided to shift tactics from mass attacks to continuous day-and-night assaults in rotation.

This new strategy involved relentless pressure on Russian defenses by alternating waves of attacks from different flanks without allowing them any respite.

Sustaining Pressure vs. Diminishing Morale

While Russian discipline held strong due to organized rotations allowing soldiers brief rest periods, Tartar morale began declining as warriors faced unexpected heavy losses and questioned their leadership’s strategies.

With dwindling supplies for an army of 120,000 men and horses after looting nearby areas that had been evacuated earlier by Voratinsky, desperation set in among Tartar ranks.

Final Assault and Consequences

A massive final assault was ordered by Devlet involving 20,000 riders attacking simultaneously supported by remaining Janiseries; this resulted in horrific casualties amidst intense fighting.

After an hour of brutal combat where attackers retreated leaving over 2,000 dead behind them, it became evident that despite high casualties for Tartars (approximately 6,000), Russian confidence surged as they realized they could withstand such formidable opposition.

Tactical Shifts in the Siege of Gulier Gar

Change in Tartar Strategy

Delet recognized that frontal assaults were ineffective, having lost 6,000 men. He decided to encircle the Russian position instead.

The Tartar army was deployed in a massive ring around Gulier Gar, with 5,000 riders patrolling to intercept supplies and messengers.

Supply Issues and Morale Challenges

Despite having 114,000 men, Delet faced critical supply issues as the Russians had access to fresh water and stored food for two weeks.

Dysentery spread through the Tartar camp due to poor sanitary conditions, exacerbated by unburied corpses.

Night Raids and Psychological Warfare

Delet ordered night attacks to maintain pressure on Russian defenders; however, Vorotinsky organized counter-raids that significantly impacted Tartar morale.

Reinforcements from Moscow boosted Russian spirits despite some being intercepted by Tartars.

Decision Point for the Tartars

A heated war council revealed divisions among commanders about whether to withdraw or continue fighting after suffering over 7,000 casualties.

Ultimately, Delet decided on one last massive assault with 50,000 warriors against Gulier Gar.

The Surprise Attack at Dawn

Voratinsky capitalized on morning fog conditions for a surprise attack while most of the Tartar camp was still asleep.

The Russians executed a chaotic assault within the Tartar camp, leading to mass confusion and significant casualties among sleeping warriors.

Battle of the Gulier Gorad: A Tactical Overview

Initial Chaos and Devlet's Response

Flames from ammunition wagons marked a beacon of destruction as Devlet attempted to organize his elite guard amidst chaos.

After two hours of combat, the Russian forces retreated, taking prisoners and trophies while Devlet assessed catastrophic losses—approximately 10,000 warriors dead and shattered morale.

Strategic Dilemma for Devlet

The Russians suffered minimal casualties (less than 300), leading to a significant psychological shift in the battle dynamics.

Despite heavy losses, Devlet ordered a massive assault with 50,000 warriors planned for that afternoon but was soon alerted to incoming Russian reinforcements.

Dividing Forces: A Critical Decision

Faced with a strategic nightmare, Devlet decided to divide his forces: 30,000 would continue besieging Gulier Gorad while 84,000 marched north against Prince Dmitri Korostin’s reinforcements.

This division played into Russian tactics as Vorotinsky and Korostin coordinated their movements effectively.

Engagement at Melo

On the seventh day, Devlet engaged Korostinian's forces near Melo; however, he faced challenges due to poor positioning and tactical errors.

Korostin utilized terrain advantages with disciplined firepower against repeated cavalry charges from Devlet’s frustrated troops.

Turning Point: Voratinsky's Counterattack

With insufficient encirclement by the Tartars left at Gulier Gorad, Voratinsky launched a surprise attack on them.

The ensuing chaos led to a relentless pursuit of retreating Tartars by Russian forces who sought revenge for historical grievances.

Collapse of Tartar Forces

As Russian armies united against him in mid-afternoon, Devlet found himself overwhelmed from multiple directions amid dwindling supplies and exhausted troops.

Panic set in during an attempted retreat; what began as an organized withdrawal quickly devolved into rout and annihilation.

Aftermath of the Battle

The battlefield became a site of mass casualties; thousands drowned or were shot while attempting to cross rivers under fire.

By nightfall on the seventh day, only about 6,000 survivors remained with Devlet. Estimates suggest between 30,000 to over 50,000 Tartar corpses littered the area post-battle.

The Aftermath of the Battle of Melo

Devastation and Losses

Villages within a 15 km radius were temporarily evacuated due to the aftermath of the battle. The Crimean Horde, once a formidable military force, suffered catastrophic losses, with only about 20,000 out of 120,000 warriors returning.

The battle marked the end of the Mongol threat to Russia. Devlet Dai fled in disgrace after previously burning Moscow just a year prior.

Pursuit and Extermination

Cossacks relentlessly pursued the fleeing remnants of the horde, leading to further massacres as they hunted down stragglers.

The loss rate for Devlet's army was staggering—85% to 90%, indicating not just defeat but an extermination-level loss.

Treatment of Captured Soldiers

Wounded soldiers were abandoned without aid; Russian villagers showed no mercy due to historical grievances against Mongol terror.

Captured Tartars faced various fates: some paraded publicly in Moscow as trophies while others were executed or ransomed for significant sums.

Psychological Impact and Celebrations

The psychological impact on the horde was profound; their aura of invincibility shattered within days. News of their defeat initially met disbelief in Moscow.

Upon confirmation, celebrations erupted across Moscow with religious processions and Thanksgiving services declared by Ivan the Terrible.

Rewards and Commemorations

Ivan rewarded commanders and soldiers generously; many peasants who fought were freed from serfdom as a gesture that elevated his prestige.

Churches commemorating the victory were ordered built, including one at Malode where significant events occurred during the battle.

Strategic Shifts Following Defeat

Ottoman Response

News of Melo reached Constantinople quickly, inciting fury in Sultan Salem I over his lost investment in Devlet's campaign.

Reports from captured Janiseries revealed fundamental tactical errors made by Devlet during his attack on fortified positions.

Changing Military Dynamics

Ottoman military reports concluded that nomadic cavalry dominance was waning due to advancements in firearms and fortifications altering power dynamics.

Consequences for Crimea and Eastern Europe

Support for Crimea diminished significantly post-battle as Sultan Salem faced other pressing issues like Mediterranean wars and Balkan rebellions.

The balance of power shifted throughout Eastern Europe; nations began adopting new tactics emphasizing firepower over traditional cavalry strategies.

Economic Impacts

Slave prices surged as Tartar raids ceased almost entirely, disrupting centuries-old supply chains feeding Mediterranean markets.

Transformation of Russian Diplomacy

Emergence as a European Power

Russian diplomacy underwent significant transformation, with European embassies in Moscow beginning to treat Ivan IV with newfound respect, recognizing him as the tsar who defeated the Mongol horde.

England sought closer relations with Russia, leading to an expansion of trade through the Muscovy Company and the arrival of English military advisers to study Russian innovations.

End of Mongol Dominance

The Battle of Molodi marked a pivotal moment, ending centuries of Mongol terror that had oppressed Slavic peoples since 1237.

Following this battle, attempts by Devlet Gerai for further raids were easily repelled by Russians, indicating a shift in power dynamics.

Shift in Military Balance

The defeat at Molodi led to the annihilation of Tartar military elites, significantly weakening their capacity for large-scale invasions.

Russia fortified its southern borders with structures like the Abatis line, effectively militarizing regions previously vulnerable to Tartar incursions.

Expansion and Imperial Ambitions

Conquest of Siberia

With security along its southern border established post-Molodi, Russia accelerated its eastward expansion into Siberia.

Within a century after 1572, Russia transformed into one of the largest empires globally, stretching from Poland to the Pacific Ocean.

Military Innovation: Gulier Gar

The mobile fortress known as Gulier Gar was crucial during Molodi; it represented a revolutionary combination of mobility and defense akin to modern tanks.

This innovation allowed armies to maintain strategic mobility while also establishing formidable defensive positions against superior cavalry forces.

Cultural and Tactical Implications

Limited Influence on Western Warfare

Despite its effectiveness in Eastern Europe’s terrain, Gulier Gar did not revolutionize European warfare due to geographical limitations and differing military cultures focused on prolonged sieges rather than open battles.

Continued Use and Evolution

Russians continued utilizing improved versions of Gulier Gar in various campaigns until advancements in artillery rendered it obsolete.

Ivan IV's Dual Legacy

Paradoxical Leadership

Ivan IV's reign is marked by his role as both a savior for Russia against external threats while simultaneously instigating terror within his own nation through violent acts against his citizens.

The Legacy of Ivan the Terrible and the Battle of Maloi

The Aftermath of Ivan's Reign

Following Ivan's reign, Russia faced chaos, with his son Theodore being described as mentally weak. This period nearly led to the country's destruction despite Ivan's earlier achievements.

Historians are divided on Ivan's legacy; some view him as a tyrant whose cruelty was detrimental, while others argue that his brutality was essential for consolidating power during a tumultuous time.

Understanding Ivan's Character

Ivan is portrayed as a complex figure shaped by childhood trauma—brilliant yet unstable, capable of strategic vision but also impulsive in cruelty. His actions were reflective of an era where violence dominated politics.

Without Ivan’s trust in Voratinsky and his innovative approach to warfare, significant victories like Maloi may not have occurred. His legacy is intricate and highlights the complexities of historical narratives.

Lessons from the Battle of Maloi

Innovation Under Pressure

The battle teaches about innovation; Voratinsky adapted existing concepts to address specific challenges during crises rather than seeking entirely new solutions.

Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

The Russian forces changed battle tactics to leverage their strengths in discipline and firepower against Tartar numerical superiority.

Leadership and Training

Effective leadership involved training soldiers not just in combat techniques but also in psychological resilience, ensuring they maintained discipline under pressure.

Historical Change Beyond Observation

The impact of Maloi shifted power dynamics in Eastern Europe unnoticed by many contemporary Western observers, emphasizing that significant historical events often occur away from major centers of influence.

The Disproportionate Victory at Maloi

In July 1572, an army outnumbered 5-to-1 achieved one of history’s most remarkable military victories through strategic brilliance and technological innovation. This event marked a turning point for Russia after centuries under Tartar dominance.