Subutai
~1175–1248 · Mongol · Mongol Empire
Known for: Genghis Khan's greatest general—conquered more territory than any other commander in history
Subutai was a commoner who rose to become the Mongol Empire's supreme strategist, directing more than 20 campaigns and conquering 32 nations. He masterminded the European invasion of 1241, simultaneously commanding armies hundreds of miles apart—a feat of coordination unmatched until the 20th century with radio communications.
He was personally unassuming despite his extraordinary record. By his seventies, he was too obese to ride a horse and directed battles from a cart—yet still won every engagement. He conquered more territory than Alexander, Hannibal, and Caesar combined, making him arguably the most successful military commander who has ever lived.
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