The Mongols were a nomadic horse-mounted people. They lived a simple life. Genghis Khan's greatest achievement was not just his military strategies and leadership, but his tolerance and acceptance of the many cultures that he assimilated into his empire.

The Mongol invasion of China, exposed them to advanced technology and engineering skills. It was with Chinese technology that the Mongols thrust across Europe and into the Middle East. Gunpowder, catapults and other siege machines, along with Chinese engineers and laborers who could build a bridge across a wide river literally overnight.

When Polish knights first encounter the Mongols, they faced fire, bombs and smoke screens. These are weapons and tactics never seen before by the Europeans, and they quickly labeled the Mongols Satanic and Demons from Hell.

Persian scribes who traveled with the Mongols and documented their victories, wrote that the Mongols learned from every culture and people they encountered. They adapted their sword making to the stronger steel from the Arabs, the used "fire-sticks that flew into the sky" (obviously these are rockets) from China. Instead of steel and leather armor chest plates used in Europe or the Middle East, they Mongols used a thick silk garment. Arrows would literally slide off the silk. This was an early form of bullet proof vest, because the arrows would not pierce the silk. Even if the arrow entered the body they could pull it out since the silk also entered the wound and could be extracted without damaging tissue or leaving behind infectious bacteria.

The key to Mongol superiority in battle, was their success in peace. All religions and cultures were allowed to exist. The Mongols did not try to impose their values on the people they conquered. Instead, they learned from everyone. It made them smarter, better in battle, and much more effective in governing.

On interesting Mongol invention, or adaptation, was hamburger. The Mongols would put spiced beef, goat or lamb meat under their saddle. They would ride 1000 miles then remove the softened and tenderized meat. They would eat it raw. This became known as "tar tar" in Russia (which was part of the Mongol Empire).