<P> Each archer had at least one extra horse--there was an average five horses per man--thus the entire army could move with astounding rapidity . Moreover, since horse milk and horse blood were the staples of the Mongolian diet, Genghis' horse - herds functioned not just as his means of movement but as his logistical sustainment . All other necessities would be foraged and plundered . Khan's marauders also brought with them mobile shelters, concubines, butchers, and cooks . Through maneuver and continuous assault, Chinese, Persian, Arab and Eastern European armies could be stressed until they collapsed, and were then annihilated in pursuit and encirclement . </P> <P> Compared to the armies of Genghis, nearly all other armies were cumbersome and relatively static . It was not until well into the 20th century that any army was able to match the speed of deployment of Genghis' armies . When confronted with a fortified city, the Mongol imperatives of maneuver and speed required that it be quickly subdued . Here the terror engendered by the bloody reputation of the Mongolians helped to intimidate and subdue . </P> <P> So too did primitive biological warfare . A trebuchet or other type of ballista weapon would be used to launch dead animals and corpses into a besieged city, spreading disease and death, such as the Black Plague . If a particular town or city displeased the Mongolian Khan, everyone in the city would be killed to set an example for all other cities . This was early psychological warfare . </P> <P> To refer to the nine strategic principles outlined above, the Mongol strategy was directed toward an objective (that schwerpunkt (main focus) being the morale and mental state of the opposing population) achieved through the offensive; this offensive was itself characterized by concentration of force, maneuver, surprise, and simplicity . </P>

Who become one of the greatest military commanders of all time