What Stopped The Mongol Hordes From Conquering Europe?

New Scientist: Mongol hordes gave up on conquering Europe due to wet weather

It has mystified historians ever since. After a string of major victories, the Mongol army suddenly retreated from central Europe in 1242.

Some scholars claim Mongolian politics forced the withdrawal, while others credit the strength of fortified towns in present-day Hungary and Croatia. But Europe could have been rescued by its own bad weather, an analysis of tree rings and historical documents concludes.

The Mongol cavalry fed its horses on the grass of the Eurasian steppe, says Nicola Di Cosmo of Princeton University, one of the study’s authors. A warm climate in the early 1200s helped make the grasslands lush and this, in turn, helped the Mongols extend their empire into Russia, he says.

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More News On What Stopped The Mongols From Conquering Europe

Mystery of Mongol Retreat from Hungary Solved -- Live Science
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What made the Mongols flee Hungary in 1242? -- Red Orbit
Scientists finally know what stopped Mongol hordes from conquering Europe -- Tech Insider
Why The Mongol Horde Retreated From Europe -- Forbes