Throughout history, wars have been waged for countless reasons, bringing together individuals from all walks of life to fight for different causes. Some fighters stood out with exceptional skill, instilling fear in their foes and gaining strategic advantages. Here’s a look at the most formidable warriors, combatants, and tribes across the ages.
Comanche
At first, the Comanche had a complex interaction with European settlers. While some Native American tribes were open to trading with the new arrivals, others took a more aggressive approach, raiding to capture supplies and goods. The Comanche, on the other hand, were primarily focused on expanding their territory rather than engaging with the settlers.
Famed for their remarkable equestrian skills, the Comanche were nearly unbeatable in combat, coming out victorious against the Spanish, American and Mexican forces in their pursuit of territorial gain. Eventually, the Americans intensified the conflict into a full-scale war. In 1875, American Civil War hero William Tecumseh Sherman led a large-scale military campaign into the area, ultimately eliminating the Comanche threat.
Mongols
Genghis Khan is remembered as one of the fiercest warriors in history – and there’s a good reason for that.
During his life and in the years following his death, the Mongols amassed an enormous empire. They swept through Iran, Iraq, China and Kievan Rus (modern-day Russia), and those who refused to surrender were killed. It’s estimated they killed over 40 million people during their campaign.
It’s not precisely known how Khan died. Different causes have been given, including being killed in action (KIA), dying of illness or injury, or falling off his horse. Per tradition, he was buried in an unmarked grave close to his birthplace.
Samurai
Samurai served as loyal retainers to Japan’s feudal lords and gained widespread respect for their courage and devotion. In the 13th century, they successfully defended Japan against two Mongol invasions, despite the Mongols’ earlier conquests of China, Iran, Iraq, and Kievan Rus.
For the next six centuries, samurai remained integral to Japanese society. In the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877, at the Battle of Shiroyama, Saigō Takamori led 500 samurai against a force of 300,000 Imperial troops under Yamagata Aritomo. Despite their brave stand, only 30 Imperial troops fell, and Takamori himself met a warrior’s end on the battlefield.
Although their influence declined with Japan’s modernization, figures like Takamori, celebrated for their mastery in swordsmanship, are still honored and remembered today.
Visigoths
The Visigoths, a Germanic people, were once allies of the Roman Army. However, the ancient empire was left in disarray following Emperor Theodosius I’s death in 395 AD, leading to the Army’s swift collapse. Among the Visigoths, Alaric I stood out as a formidable figure, feeling the Romans had not shown him the respect he deserved for his skill in battle. This motivated him to pursue the throne, putting him in direct conflict with generals from both the eastern and western parts of the empire.
For years, the Goths raided and pillaged before turning their attention to Italy. In 408, Alaric I led 30,000 Visigoths to march on Rome, ultimately forcing the city to pay a ransom in gold, silver, silk tunics, scarlet-dyed hides, and pepper. Two years later, they struck Rome, sacking the famed city with devastating force. No one was spared as the fierce warriors destroyed the city, an event many believe largely contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
Yet Alaric’s victory was short-lived, as he died within the year.
Gurkhas
The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) were established in 1994 as part of the British Army, resulting from the merger of four regiments: 2 GR, 6 GR, 7 GR, and 10 GR. These formidable warriors are recruited from Nepal, a country that is neither part of the Commonwealth nor a dependent territory of the United Kingdom. Known for their weaponry, skill, and intelligence, they are regarded as some of the finest fighters in the world.
Although the Royal Gurkha Rifles are a more recently formed fighting force, Gurkhas have been serving alongside the British, Indian, and Nepalese armies since the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16. Their history stretches back even further, to the 8th century, and they are named after the esteemed Hindu warrior, Guru Gorakhnath. The men currently serving in this regiment acquire their skills from a young age, creating a lifelong foundation that readies them for combat.
When the British found it challenging to subdue these fighters, they chose to recruit them instead. During World War II, Gurkhas famously infiltrated enemy dugouts at night to inspect soldiers’ boots and discern whether they were Axis or Allied troops. How did they do this? By analyzing the way the laces were tied (or so the legend states).
Akali-Nihang
The Akali-Nihang are Sikh warriors who first appeared on the Indian subcontinent. Soldiers in the outfit, whose origin is still not fully known, always carry a katar (dagger), wear blue and, when in full gear, carried one or two swords. Historic versions of these fearsome warriors were famous for their ability to fight much larger armies and still emerge victorious.
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The most famed of the Akali-Nihang was Baba Deep Singh, who spent much of his life fighting the Afghans. He was beheaded (some sources say nearly beheaded) in battle in 1757, and his death inspired the Sikhs and the Akali-Nihang, who successfully drove out the Afghans. The spot where he died is now a shrine, and Sikhs regularly pay their respects there.
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