The Mongol Siege of Nishapur: A City Erased

In this episode, Lucas and Luna delve into one of the most brutal episodes of the Mongol conquests: the siege of Nishapur in 1221. After the death of Genghis Khan's son-in-law Tokuchar at the hands of the city's defenders, Genghis ordered total annihilation. Lucas recounts how the city was taken, its walls breached, and its population systematically massacred—a fate that included not just men but women, children, and even animals. They explore the role of Genghis's daughter, who led the vengeance, the use of advanced siege weaponry like the 'ox-headed' catapult, and the logistical challenges of siege warfare in Khorasan. The episode also touches on the broader context of the Khwarezmian campaign and how Nishapur's fall sent shockwaves across Persia. Listeners will learn about the city's strategic importance, the fate of its governor, and the archaeological evidence of destruction. A sobering look at total war in the 13th century. #Nishapur #GenghisKhan #MongolSiege #Khwarezm #Tokuchar #Khorasan #1221 #SiegeWarfare #MongolEmpire #TotalWar #Catapult #Persia #MedievalHistory #MilitaryHistory #Massacre #FexingoHistory #History #Warfare Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo