Irghiz River skirmish

The Irghiz River skirmish was a battle between the Khwarazmian Empire and the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century. Historians disagree on the exact date: either 1209 or 1219.  

Genghis Khan sent an army under Subutai to attack enemies near the Khwarazmian border. Shah Muhammad II of Khwarazm heard about large armies near his lands and marched to fight them. The Mongols, possibly including Jebe and Genghis’ son Jochi, were caught off guard after defeating another enemy.  

Muhammad refused peace and attacked. The battle was fierce and lasted until night. The Mongals may have had the upper hand but left secretly at night. Their skill scared Muhammad, making him choose defense later during the Mongol invasion.  

 Chronology   
Sources disagree on the date. Ibn al-Athir says 1218, Shihab al-Din Muhammad al-Nasawi says 1215–6, Minhaj-i Siraj Juzjani says 1218, and Ata-Malik Juvayni says 1219. Some historians think it was 1209, based on the Secret History of the Mongols. Others argue for 1218–1219, citing Genghis Khan’s praise of Jochi after the fight.  

 Battle   
Muhammad attacked the Mongols after they beat another enemy. The Mongals tried to avoid fighting but were forced into battle. Sources disagree on army sizes—some say 60,000 Khwarazmians vs 20,000 Mongols; others say fewer.

The fight was even, but both sides pushed back the other. The Shah nearly got isolated but was saved by a charge. Night stopped the battle. The Mongols left secretly. 

This skirmish scared Muhammad, making him defensive in later wars.

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Category:Battles involving the Khwarazmian dynasty