Mongol Empire - Part 4: Meritocracy of the Steppe: Promotion by Ability, Not Birth
Key Takeaways Radical Equality: The Mongols promoted a blacksmith's son, a shepherd, and former enemies to top commands. Performance Over Pedigree: Battlefield results determined advancement, not birth or connections. Loyalty Rewarded: Personal loyalty to the Khan combined with ability to create devoted, capable leaders. Institutional Systems: Clear rules for promotion made meritocracy systematic, not arbitrary. Contrast Effect: Enemies led by hereditary aristocrats faced Mongol commanders selected for ability. In 1203, a young Mongol warrior named Jebe shot an arrow that struck Temüjin (the future Genghis Khan) in the neck, nearly killing him. After the battle, Jebe was captured and brought before the wounded khan. ...