Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Sea: 59: Nogai & Toctai

In the  northwestern part of the Mongol Empire Mongu Temur was IIKhan. This part was also called Golden Horde aka Ulugu Ulus. Mongu Temur was also known as Mengu Timur. He was succeeded by Tolobuga, a very young man. Totamangu, a powerful chief aided by Nogai killed that prince and succeeded to sovereignty.  Totamangu, however, soon died and another bold chief Toctai was elected to sovereignty. Two sons of the slain monarch, when they were grown up, assembled a large body of troops, marched to the court of Toctai. They threw themselves on their knees before him, and said, "Noble Sire, we are the sons of Totamangu.  Our father had been killed by Tolobuga and Nogai. We seek vengeance on Nogai, because the other is not alive.  We pray to you to make him appear and account for the death of our father."
The youth was then silent, and Toctai, feeling that he had spoken a truth replied, "My noble friend, I will willingly do what you ask."
Accordingly he sent two messengers with his injuction to Nogai.  Nogai laughed at it and refused to come.  On hearing this Toctai was enraged and said, "If God aid me, either Nogai shall obey me, or he will be destroyed." He then sent two other messengers, whom Nogai received well. The messengers said, "Noble Sire, Toctai gives warning, that unless you come to his court to account for your conduct to the sons of Totamangu, he will march against you with all his people, do you all injury in his power.  Therefore be careful."  Nogai said, "Gentlemen, return to your lord, and tell him not to push me around.  I am ready to come
and meet him halfway."

The messengers conveyed this to Toctai.  Seeing that war was inevitable, he immediately sent summons to all his barons to be prepared for war.  He assembled the greatest armament.  Hearing of this, Nogai also prepared his forces.  With two hundred thousand horsemen he marched towards the plain of Nerghi. The sons of Totamangu also came to Nerghi with their forces to avenge the death of their father.  With one hundred and fifty thousand horsemen Nogai also came and pitched his camp at a distance.

Notes:- The plain of Nerghi refers to the valley of Araxes or Aras river. It is a transboundary in the Caucasus.

End of the Section.









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