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The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

War, a disturbing word, has accompanied the development of human civilization since ancient times. Although war has brought disasters and sufferings, it has been regarded as the only way to maintain peace and achieve reunification in some special historical periods. The protracted war waged by Genghis Khan against the Jin State was a magnificent and tragic historical drama.

In 1234, in the small city of Caizhou, the Jin army fought its last strength to resist the attack of the Mongol and Southern Song coalition forces. When the threat of food shortages was imminent, they had to eat the flesh and skin of their horses and swallow human bones to satisfy their hunger. It was like a hell on earth, where all life was destroyed and everything was destroyed. Have you ever imagined that a war can push people into such a desperate situation? Follow me into those turbulent years and unravel the code of this tragic history.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

To fully understand the ins and outs of the Battle of Caizhou, we must start with the feud between Genghis Khan and the Jin dynasty. At the beginning of the Jin Dynasty, the rulers of the Jurchens imposed a long period of brutal oppression on the Mongols. Not only do they have no money, but they are also delusional about reducing Mongolia's population through the policy of "reducing the number of people". It is precisely this kind of behavior of the nation that has intensified the contradictions between the two ethnic groups and sowed the seeds of deep hatred.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

The torture of the Mongol Khan Baba by the Jin Dynasty was undoubtedly the last trigger. The young and vigorous Genghis Khan waved his army south, vowing to be ashamed of his ancestors. Under his command, the elite Mongolian iron cavalry swept mightily and slaughtered the territory of the Jin Dynasty. A protracted and tragic war quickly broke out between the two sides.

At first, the Jin army was still able to rely on the advantage of being familiar with the terrain to form some blocks for the Mongolian army in the mountainous areas. But soon, they realized what a fatal mistake they had made - scattering the army, which allowed the Mongol army to concentrate its superior forces and break them one by one. This battle is known as the "Battle of Huihe", and the 400,000 troops of the Jin army were defeated by the 100,000 Mongolian cavalry.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

The Mongol army swept away the encirclement all the way, and it was overwhelming. The central capital of the Jin Dynasty was conquered one after another, and the national capital had to be moved to Jin Nanjing, Kaifeng, Henan. Subsequently, the new Khan Ogedai personally led his army to the west, causing the Jin army to suffer a complete rout in the Battle of Sanfeng Mountain. At this point, the situation of the war was basically determined - the Jin Dynasty was doomed to fall under the iron heel of the Mongols.

The last stubborn resistance took place in the isolated city of Caizhou. The Jin army fought desperately and vowed to die with the Mongol Song army. However, how could they have imagined that they would end up in such a miserable situation? In order to fill their stomachs, they had to boil the leather and bone marrow of their horses; Even human bones and dirt have become supplies.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

In 1234, Caizhou was ravaged by the Mongol army and turned into a real hell on earth. Since the Jin army swore not to surrender, the Mongol and Song coalition forces were determined to kill them all. In the end, Jin Aizong hanged himself, and the vast majority of the Jin army fell into the fate of "death in battle or suicide". An empire that was once mighty has collapsed.

For the demise of the Jin Dynasty, the evaluation is the same. There are those who sympathize with the heroic and tragic Jin army, and those who accuse them of stubbornness and stupidity. But it is undeniable that through this tragic chasm, we have been able to glimpse the terrible side of human beings – how far can we go for power and profit? In the small city of Caizhou, the flames of war burned all humanity to the ground......

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

The bloody atrocities of the Battle of Caizhou shocked the whole world. It is like a mirror that reflects the ugliest side of human nature. In order to win the war, both sides committed heinous acts of cruelty.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

The Mongol and Song armies, after discovering that the Jin army was running out of food, adopted an extremely cruel tactic - they launched a large-scale "psychological warfare" outside the city. The delicious roasted food spreads throughout the city, and the aroma is steaming; The Jin army could only gnaw on the skins of war horses and human bones, and swallow the soil to satisfy hunger. Life is so fragile and fragile for people. When the survival instinct is infinitely magnified, the hatred between people slowly emerges. According to the memories of some survivors, there was even a tragedy of "cannibalism between the old and the weak" in Caizhou City. In order to survive, people have to eat the remains of their compatriots, and such a picture is gruesome.

Although the Jin Dynasty still fought to the death in the face of internal and external difficulties, it was also criticized by history. Some commentators have pointed out that the Jin army's insistence was foolish and blind, and that they should be aware of the current affairs and surrender to the Mongols in exchange for the continuation of the Jin dynasty's survival. However, from another point of view, it is this heroic sentiment that makes the Jin Dynasty win the praise of "tragic and great". The so-called "relatives in black clothes" is to pay tribute to those soldiers who sacrificed their lives heroically.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

We cannot simply judge history right or wrong, because everything is in the past. However, those shocking details in the battle of Caizhou still remind our times. It tells us what a terrible thing war is, it not only destroys lives, but also distorts human nature and degenerates people into demons. For modern society, moving towards peace and civilization is the pursuit that mankind should pursue.

The Battle of Caizhou ended the fall of the Jin Dynasty, but it also left too much reflection for later generations. Genghis Khan's dream of unifying the world was ultimately in vain. But wherever his iron hooves went, he tore apart countless families and claimed countless lives. We are to seek power and glory, but not at the expense of humanity.

The most tragic battle in history: killing war horses and eating human bones, Caizhou in 1234 was like hell on earth

It is true that mankind has experienced too many wars, but we have never stopped longing for peace. As Aristotle said, "The purpose of war is peace". The Battle of Caizhou has given us too many inspirations and warnings, let us learn from history and use wisdom and courage to pursue true peace and freedom.

The Battle of Caizhou is a tragic history that witnessed the fall of the Jin Dynasty and reflects the dark side of human nature. When power and lust are infinitely magnified, the hatred between people becomes uncontrollable. However, we should also reflect on the fact that war is never the best option for humanity, and it only brings pain and destruction. #头条首发大赛#