O. Machai, PhD Student
National Pedagogical Dragomanov University, Kyiv, Ukraine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17721/1728-2640.2020.147.6
THE ROLE OF THE GEORGIAN CONTINGENT IN THE MONGOL TROOPS (1220-1265)
Mongol forces have appeared in the Caucasus since 1220. The desire of the empire was to create world domination. That`s why was necessary to have a powerful army, which included the conquered peoples, among whom were Georgians.
Georgian queen and mtavars resisted the conquerors since the establishment of Mongol rule in the Caucasus. However, due to the lack of competent rulers and strong centralized power, the mtavars later recognized the power of the Mongol commanders and sided with the conqueror. As a result, Georgian Queen Rusudan also recognized the authority of the Mongols.
Every ruler who recognized the power of the khan had to bear military duty - haraj, and pay tribute, among which were taxes on military needs. The article examines various military campaigns in which Georgians participated on the side of the Mongols: the battle against the Romanian sultan in 1243, the capture of Baghdad in 1258, the campaign in Egypt in 1260, the fight against the expansion of the Golden Horde in the early 60s of the thirteenth century. The paper reveals the peculiarity of the Mongolian taxes paid by Georgians - kalan, ulup, the technique of the Mongol battle - hashar, yabagan.
Based on the source and historiographical database, an analysis of the attitude of Georgians to participate in the Mongolian military campaigns is conducted. In particular, the article covers cases when the Mongols suspected Georgians of treason, focusing on the anti-Mongol uprising of King David Ulu. The causes and consequences of the uprisings are explained on the basis of testimonies of Georgian and Armenian chronicles.
Separately, the article reveals the participation of Georgians in the fight against the troops of the Golden Horde, which sought to capture the North Caucasus. Thanks to the participation of Georgians in battles and the construction of fortifications, the Hulaguids were able to protect the region from the invasions of the Juchids.
Keywords: Mongols, Georgia, mtavari, army, conquest, campaign, hashar.
Received by the editorial board: 24.11.20
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