IV/47 GOLDEN HORDE & SUCCESSORS 1251 AD - 1556 AD

The “Golden Horde” was named for the gilded tent of its first ruler, Chinggis’ grandson Batu. As a result of the original Mongol conquest of the Volga Bulgars, Cumans, Alans and the southern Russian principalities and the subsequent reduction of the northern Russian principalities to vassal status, the Horde ruled an enormous territory. Although nominally part of the Mongol empire until 1266, it was for all practical purposes independent. This list covers the “Tartar” armies of the Golden Horde until its overthrow by the Crimean khanate in 1502, then the successor khanates of the Crimea 1430-1473, Kazan 1445-1552 and Astrakhan 1466-1566. The Russians called the Tartar battle tactic “khorovod” (dance). It consisted of 2 strikes by horse archers, then a charge by armoured cavalry, the best on barded horses and using lances. Foot were “Bessermeni” (Muslim townsmen), “Armen” (Crimean Armenians), Italians and Siberians. References: Armies and Enemies of the Crusades 1. Heath, Armies of the Middle Ages Vol 2 1. Heath.

IV/47 — Golden Horde or Successor Armies 1251 AD - 1556 AD

List: 1 x General (Cv), 3 x lancers (Cv), 5 x Tartar horse archers (LH), 2 x Bessermeni (3Bw) or Cumans (LH), 1 x Armen (3Bw) or Italians (4Cb) or Siberians (3Wb) or Georgians (Cv)
Terrain: Steppe
Aggression: 2
Enemies:
Allies: IV/44a or IV/55b