The Training of an Inner Asian Nomad Army in the Pre-Modern Period
Timothy May
Often the armies that emerged from steppes of Inner Asia are viewed as throngs horse-archers who overwhelmed their opponents through sheer ferocity or superior numbers. The typical observation about military ability is nomads they were natural warriors inured since birth to riding and archery in harsh climate steppe. While this view has an element truth, actually better trained than generally assumed. This article examines training Asian armies. Although it focuses on Mongols, also explores antecedents evolution techniques across Asia.
The Journal of Military History