I know this is a joke about the Mongols’ well-known pillaging, but it might be interesting to know that pillaging for supplies was the major supply source of almost all pre-modern armies. The exceptional part of the Mongols’ strategic mobility/logistical advantage comes from being able to transport all of those goods via horse (rather than foot or even cart), and by being able to keep a detachment of traditional nomads accompanying the army closely to maintain their herds of animals as a mobile food source. Very handy for resupply deep in enemy territory!
I know this is a joke about the Mongols’ well-known pillaging, but it might be interesting to know that pillaging for supplies was the major supply source of almost all pre-modern armies. The exceptional part of the Mongols’ strategic mobility/logistical advantage comes from being able to transport all of those goods via horse (rather than foot or even cart), and by being able to keep a detachment of traditional nomads accompanying the army closely to maintain their herds of animals as a mobile food source. Very handy for resupply deep in enemy territory!