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Personal opinions based on historical facts
1. Subotai
When people discuss history’s greatest generals of all time, a name that is not usually discussed is Subotai. However, Subotai has the feats to trump all, if not most of his competitions. Subotai was a Mongolian general, who fought alongside Genghis Khan and Ogedei Khan in the 13th century. He was not only a great fierce fighter on his own but a genius strategist who led the Mongol Empire to become the largest empire by landmass in history.
Subotai initially began his military career at the age of 14, where he was Genghis Khan’s servant. However, due to Genghis Khan’s meritocratic policies, he was able to quickly rise to a higher rank position in the Mongol military. He first became a commander in his army at 22, leading the Mongols to great victories, and rose to the highest ranks of the Mongol army in his late 20s.
His most notable career feats include:
- In 20 expeditions, conquered 32 countries/kingdoms
- Won in 65 major battles
- Became the general with the largest conquered territory in history
Subotai died at the age of 72, finishing his nearly 60-year military career as the greatest general of his era.
