Subutai

Took part in two Western Campaigns, fighting across Eurasia, and also took the Jin capital, Bianjing.

Life

One of the Four Hounds

Subutai was of the Uriankhai and followed Temüjin from his youth. Renowned for his courage and cunning, he was one of the "Four Hounds," the famed generals of the Mongol founding.

Sweeping across Eurasia

With Jebe he led troops in pursuit of the ruler of Khwarazm, then crossed the Caucasus, and in 1223 he crushed the coalition of the Rus' principalities at the Kalka River.

Took Bianjing

In 1232 he joined the attack on the Jin, taking the Jin capital, Bianjing, the following year. In 1235 he accompanied Batu on the second Western Campaign, and in 1241 he crushed the Hungarian army at the Battle of Mohi, pushing his forces all the way to the Danube. He died in 1248.

Legacy

Subutai is considered one of the greatest military commanders in history; he fought across Europe and Asia throughout his life and took part in more than sixty campaigns.

Major works & achievements

• Routed the Rus' coalition at the Kalka River
• Crushed Hungary at the Battle of Mohi
• Took Bianjing

Did you know? His son Uriyangkhadai and grandson Aju were also famed generals of the Yuan dynasty—three generations of generals.

Key dates

• 1219Joined Genghis Khan's western campaign
• 1223Battle of the Kalka River
• 1233Took Bianjing
• 1241Crushed Hungary at the Battle of Mohi
• 1248Died