From being a collection of constantly warring tribes on the north-western border of China, in little more than a century the Mongols managed to conquer most of the Asian landmass, holding sway from Korea through China, including Georgia, Iraq, Iran, Syria and a large area of present day Russia. At one stage they even campaigned in Hungary and Poland in preparation for an invasion! Using a combination of lightly protected mounted archers supported by more heavily armored - lance armed cavalry, they swept away all opposing armies through iron discipline and tactical flexibility, an extremely rare combination in the Medieval period.