Mongolia

“Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard.” – attributed to Genghis Khan

The Mongol Empire was the largest contiguous land empire in history, forged by the genius of Genghis Khan and sustained by the finest cavalry the world has ever known. From the vast steppes of Central Asia, Mongol horsemen swept across continents, toppling kingdoms and reshaping the political map of Eurasia in a single generation.

Civilisation Bonus

Wrath of the Steppe – All mounted units receive +25% attack. This devastating bonus transforms every cavalry unit in Mongolia’s roster into an elite fighting force. The bonus applies to all mounted units throughout the game, meaning Mongolia’s military advantage grows as more powerful cavalry types become available. Combined with the Horse Archer, this creates a civilisation that dominates open terrain and punishes any opponent who neglects their defences.

Unique Unit

Horse Archer (replaces Archer)

The Horse Archer is a mounted ranged unit – a combination available to no other civilisation at this stage of the game. While it sacrifices some attack power and durability compared to the standard Archer, and costs more and requires Horses, its 3 movement points combined with 2 range make it extraordinarily dangerous. Horse Archers can kite slower units endlessly, striking and withdrawing before the enemy can close to melee range. As a mounted unit, the Horse Archer also benefits from Mongolia’s +25% attack bonus.

Strategy

Mongolia is the premier cavalry civilisation in Annhexation, and your entire strategy should revolve around mounted units. Securing access to Horses is absolutely critical – without them, you lose both your unique unit and much of the value of your civilisation bonus. Prioritise settling or conquering territory with Horse resources, and protect those resources at all costs.

The Horse Archer is your early-game terror weapon. With 3 movement and 2 range, a group of Horse Archers can harass enemy cities and pick off units without ever being caught. Use hit-and-run tactics: move in, fire, and retreat out of range. The +25% mounted attack bonus makes their shots hit harder than their base stats suggest. Mass Horse Archers early and use them to cripple neighbours before they can build up their defences.

As the game progresses, transition into heavier cavalry while maintaining a core of Horse Archers for screening and harassment. Every mounted unit you build benefits from the +25% attack bonus, making Mongol Knights and later cavalry units significantly more powerful than their counterparts. Focus on controlling open terrain where cavalry excels, and avoid getting bogged down in prolonged sieges of heavily fortified cities. Strike fast, overwhelm isolated forces, and keep moving – that is the Mongol way.

Historical Background

The Mongol Empire began with the unification of the nomadic Mongol and Turkic tribes of the Central Asian steppe under Temujin, who took the title Genghis Khan (“Universal Ruler”) in 1206. Through a combination of brilliant military tactics, ruthless discipline, and innovative organisational reforms, Genghis Khan created the most effective military machine of the medieval world. His armies conquered northern China, Central Asia, Persia, and reached the borders of Eastern Europe within his lifetime.

Mongol military success rested on their extraordinary cavalry. Every Mongol warrior was raised in the saddle, an expert rider and archer from childhood. Their armies could cover vast distances at speeds that astonished their enemies, appearing where least expected. The Mongols employed sophisticated tactics including feigned retreats, encirclement, and coordinated manoeuvres across hundreds of kilometres using flag signals and messengers. They also proved remarkably adaptable, learning siege warfare techniques from Chinese and Persian engineers.

After Genghis Khan’s death in 1227, the empire continued to expand under his successors, eventually stretching from Korea to Hungary and from Siberia to the Persian Gulf. The Pax Mongolica that followed enabled unprecedented trade and cultural exchange across Eurasia, connecting East and West along routes that would later be romanticised as the Silk Road. The empire gradually fragmented into successor states during the 14th century, but its impact on world history – connecting civilisations, spreading technologies, and reshaping political boundaries – was profound and lasting.

City Names

Karakorum, Samarkand, Khanbaliq, Ulaanbaatar, Bukhara, Tabriz, Baghdad, Merv, Kashgar, Herat, Balkh, Nishapur, Urgench, Shangdu, Turfan, Almaliq, Hovd, Erdenet, Darkhan, Mandalgovi