Marco Polo's Voyage to Indian Seas: 44: Turkestan - Wars of Kaidu

This country lies to the northwest as you go from Cormos to River Gihon extending towards the territory of the great Khan.  It is governed by a nephew of Khan, named Kaidu; and grandson of Ciagatai, the brother of Khan.  He is a very powerful lord ruling many cities and castles.  His subjects are Tartars, very able combatants much inured to fighting, and he does not obey the Khan, but is rather at perpetual fighting with him.  Kaidu demanded of a share of his conquests, particularly in Catai and Manji.  Khan had said that he would willingly grant it to him, as to his other descendants, provided Kaidu come to his court and council whenever summoned.  But the other afraid to trust his uncle, offered to obey him where he was, but dreaded that if he in his power would be put to death.  Hence arose this discord, and the Khan drew his forces around 
the realm of Kaidu to guard against an invasion; yet that prince contrived to penetrate and fought repeatedly with the armies of Kublai, for he could bring into field 100000 brave and skilful horsemen.  He had with him also many lords of the imperial lineage.  Each soldier carries to battle sixty arrows, thirty smaller for shooting, and thirty larger, pointed with heavy iron, to throw against the face or arms of the enemy, or cut the cords of his bows; and when they have discharged all these, they lay their hands on the swords, and strike 
most terrible blows.  Now, in the year 1266, this king, with his cousin Jesudar, assembled a very great army, and marched against two barons, that were also his relations, but held their lands from the great Khan.  Kaidu and his cousin fought with these two chiefs, who had also very large force, so that between them there were 100000 horsemen.
They contended hardly and long, and many fell on both sides; but at last Kaidu conquered; however, the two barons, being well mounted, escaped without injury.  The victor became more proud and boastful; yet he returned home and remained two years in peace.  Then he assembled a mighty host of cavalry, having learned that at Karakoram there was a great army under Nomogan, a son of the Khan, and George, a grandson of Prester John. He marched thither with great speed, and the two chiefs being informed of his approach, courageously prepared to meet him with their horsemen amounting to upwards of 60000.  Having reached the place where his men were ranged in tents on the plain, they skilfully established their own camp.  Each party rested and made preparations for three days, when they advanced to the combat.  There was little advantage on either side; both as having about 60000 mounted men, well armed at every point, divided into six squadrons of 10000.  They waited only till they heard their lord
sound naccar; meantime performing
loudly on various musical instruments.  At length the signal was given, when the hosts rushed against each other, laying their hands upon their bows.  The arrows filled the air like rain; men and horses were mortally wounded; noise and cries rose aloud that the thunder of Jove could not have been heard.  Truly this was an evil hour for many, who on both sides fell died and dying.  The arrows exhausted; swords and spears occupied the scene. Dreadful blows. Arms and hands cut off; men falling senseless on the earth.  Kaidu displayed courage and strength. He encouraged and rallied his men.  The two princes on the other side stood their ground. A cruel battle ever fought between Tartar tribes. There was no end to the fight. Men fell, and their wives were widowed, and their children orphaned. Tears and laments of women and children.  When the sun set, they returned to their camps, overpowered with fatigue.  Morning came with the news that the great Khan is coming with a mighty force. Kaidu found it unsafe to remain. He and his men vanished on horseback. The two princes were so exhausted that they did not chase the enemy. Great Khan with his people reached Samarkand, the capital of his kingdom.

The great Khan felt much anger at Kaidu, but he restrained himself against any revenge on him.  But I have a wonderful story to tell you about the daughter of this prince.

Notes:-
1. River Gihon: Mentioned in Bible as one of the four rivers that flowed from garden Eden.  The word is thought to have derived from the Hebrew word Giha, meaning gushing forth. It is associated with the land of Cush, which scholars believe is in modern Ethiopia. It has been identified as River Nile or as River Araxes, which flows into Caspian sea.

End of the Section 

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