James Baquet Subutai (called “the Valiant”) and Jebe were two of Genghis Khan’s most trusted generals. Subutai in particular was known as a strategist, having conquered 32 nations in more than 20 campaigns. Genghis Khan called Subutai and Jebe two of his “dogs of war,” along with two others. In 1217, Subutai set out on the Central Asian campaigns, which lasted until 1220. Jebe, meanwhile, was raiding in another part of the region. They then joined forces to harass Shah Mohammed II of the Khwarezm Empire. Their maneuvers effectively divided the empire in half. They sent the Shah on the run, preventing him from building up any kind of effective force. After these escapades, they led their forces into Persian Iraq. They sent a message to Genghis Khan and asked his permission to continue their conquests. As they awaited the Khan’s reply, the two went on a raid against the Kingdom of Georgia. When they got the green light, they fought and defeated a coalition of Caucasian tribes, then set the Khan of the Cuman tribe to flight. The Cuman Khan approached his son-in-law, Prince Mstislav the Bold of Galich, and convinced him to retaliate against the Mongols. Mstislav the Bold allied himself with some princes of the Rus’, including, oddly, another Mstislav: Mstislav III of Kiev. At first the Rus’ were successful against the Mongols’ rearguard. But the wily Mongols demonstrated the tactics that had consistently allowed them to beat much larger forces. Feigning retreat, they caused the Rus’ forces to be strung out over a large distance. When they reached the Kalka River nine days later, the Mongols turned and assumed battle formation. The Rus’ didn’t wait for the bulk of their troops to catch up, but instead began to attack piecemeal. They were defeated May 31, 1223. Mstislav of Kiev retreated to a fort where, three days later, he surrendered, on terms that the surviving Rus’ would be given safe conduct. The Mongols agreed, but slaughtered them as soon as they exited the fort, demonstrating their ruthlessness. Subutai then rejoined Genghis Khan in Asia for further mayhem, though there are some intimations that Jebe may have died along the return route. Vocabulary: Which word above means: 1. reckless adventures 2. little by little 3. hints 4. permission to pass safely 5. approval 6. one who makes plans 7. get revenge 8. in effect, basically 9. brave 10. mercilessness, cruelty | 