The Jurchens, the ancestors of the Manchus, were, nomads like Mongols, and they had not only a strong cavalry but also a large Chinese infantry. Goo Van played a primary role in the Battle of Yehuling, the decisive battle during the first stage of the Mongol conquest of the Jurchen-led Jin dynasty in northern China. Without a doubt, he was the founder of the military doctrine of the Mongol Empire. Therefore, during the coronation of Chinggis khan in 1206, he was given the title of Goo Van, which in the modern definition is more likely to equal to the Prime Minister. Wise and courageous Mukhulai played a significant role in the unification of the Mongolian tribes under the banner of Genghis Khan. At that time Mukhulai was only 15 years old. When he was captured, Chinggis Khan (at that time Temujin) rewarded the defiant Mukhulai for his integrity and wisdom, and afterwards he was a loyal companion. Mukhulai, from Jalair tribe, in his early days served as a slave to one of the enemies of Genghis Khan. But who were these three generals of Chinggis khan, and what were their military merits? Mukhulai

While granting his generals a great deal of autonomy in making command decisions, Chinggis Khan also expected unwavering loyalty from them.įrom the above, it is clear that the Mongol Empire was a meritocracy. He allowed them to make decisions on their own when they embarked on campaigns far from the Mongol Empire’s capital-Kharkhorum. This new principle, which was nowhere else in the world during that time, was developed at the state policy level and surely it became one of the main advantages of Mongol Empire over many opponents.Ĭhinggis Khan put absolute trust in his generals, especially in Mukhulai, Zev and Subedei, and considered them as close advisors, often extending them the same privileges and trust normally reserved for close family members. Therefore, anyone with talent, who puts efforts and hard work can be selected, regardless of their origin, and appointed to any position in his Empire. Instead, he began to appoint distinguished military commanders who are loyal to him and have extraordinary leadership skills, regardless of their tribe. One of the main reforms carried out by Chinggis Khan was the abolition of the custom where only dignitaries inherited to lead the military army. Because of these talented commanders from different Mongol tribes, Mongol troops won in all fronts and battlefields across the Europe and Asia.

All three were neither members of Chinggis Khan’s family, nor his descendants. Chinggis (Genghis) Khan, who created the largest empire in the history of mankind, had three genius military generals – Mukhulai (Muqali), Zev (Jebe) and Subedei (Subutai).

World conqueror 3 generals list