Genghis Khan: The 13th century Mongolian warlord whose armies build the largest land empire in history.
vs
Alexander the Great: The Macedonian king who ended the Persian empire.
WHO IS DEADLIEST?
To find out, we've assembled a team of world class fighters to test history's most lethal weapons. Using 21stcentury science, we'll see what happens when two warriors go toe to toe.
No rules. No safety. No mercy. It's a duel to the death to decide who is…THE DEADLIEST WARRIOR!
Here in our elite fight club we have gathered doctors, medical scientists and weapons experts to test out the lethal arsenals wielded by each of our combatants to determine who would win a fight between two generals who never met in history.
Genghis Khan
Circa: 1206 A.D.
Age: 39
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Armor: Steel Lamellar, Steel Helmet, Wooden Shield w/Steel Strips
Alexander the Great
Circa: 333 B.C.
Age: 23
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 155 lbs.
Armor: Chalcidian Helmet, Bronze Cuirass, Bronze Shield
"In a first on 'Deadliest Warrior' we have two of the most influential generals of the ancient world going head to head," Richard "Mack" Machowicz explained, "These men were among the best tactical minds of their day and they used them to the greatest effect. The greatest empire builders in history.
"I'm going with Alexander the Great on this one," biomedical scientist Geoff Desmoulin started, "He conquered everyone who stood in his path, he is overall a greater strategist."
"I'm gonna go with Genghis Khan," trauma doctor Armand Dorian started, "When I think of Khan, I think of him laying the groundwork for what would become the largest empire in all of recorded history. It took a special kind of leader to do that and I think he's gonna be adding Alexander's head to his trophy collection."
Born as Temujin, the future leader would come to power through uniting various nomadic tribes from around northeast Asia, uniting them into one large military force which would go on to conquer half the known world. It was after he was proclaimed 'Genghis Khan' he would begin the Mongol invasions.
"To his enemies he was the Devil incarnate," Mack started, "He was the most brutal of the brutal. He was ambitious and he was driven to conquer everything in his path. To those who wouldn't bow to the might of the Khan, they were wiped from history. His campaigns were accompanied by the wholesale massacres of civilian populations."
In addition to his success as a military commander, Khan was a renowned statesman who enacted various progressive reforms for his day, including religious tolerance and the implementation of a writing script for Mongolians called the 'Uyghur.' It is estimated that nearly 200,000 present day Mongolians are related by blood to him.
"He carries a varied legacy among historians. Some view him as a great military leader and a larger-than-life figure, whereas others view him as a destructive and genocidal warlord. Nevertheless, he created a legacy that endures to this day," Mack concluded.
Genghis Khan brings an entire blood-drenched arsenal as he seeks to further his empire's boundaries:
Short Range: Turko-Mongol Saber
Mid-Range: Jida
Long Range: Mongol Recurve Bow
Special Weapon: Iron Flanged Mace
Today, the Mongolian warlord goes up against another legendary leader, Alexander the Great.
Born to Philip II of Macedon in 356 B.C. and tutored by the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle, Alexander succeeded his father at the age of 20 and would spend the next 13 years creating the largest empire the world had seen up until that time, which included modern Greece and Egypt, the former Persian Empire, and the westernmost portions of India.
"He wanted to be the greatest conqueror the world had ever seen," Mack started, "He was so effective because he was a brilliant strategist who when faced with opponents who used unfamiliar fighting techniques, he would find ways to adapt his forces to his opponent's style, whether it was using javelin throwers and archers to prevent outflanking movements while massing his cavalry at the center, or having his men form a U-shape so that enemy chariots would become trapped by the bodies of the soldiers they killed, thus leaving them to the mercy of the Macedonian xystons."
Constantly outnumbered, it was his usage of terrain, phalanx and cavalry tactics, bold strategies and the fierce loyalty of his troops that enabled him to prevail in crucial campaigns.
"He was never defeated in battle and managed to create the largest empire the world had ever seen. He personally led his troops into battle and fought with an unparalleled vigor, thus he truly earned his epithet 'the Great,'" Mack finished.
Alexander brings an assortment of murdering weapons aimed at furthering his conquest in his newest battle:
Short Range: Kopis
Mid-Range: Xyston
Long Range: Gastraphetes
Special Weapon: Makhaira
Both generals used deadly blades for close ranged combat. Khan will be first.
"The Turko-Mongol Saber was a curved sword with a steel blade. It was 48.5 inches long and weighed 3 pounds, making it very light for its length," Dave Baker explained, "It was primarily used for slashing, but could thrust as well. The length and curvature made it well-suited for horseback attacks and its design would influence swords throughout Asia and Eastern Europe for centuries until firearms rendered them obsolete."
Khan expert Khosbayer rides up on horseback with the saber in hand to another course that has been set up.
"Alright Khosbayer, we've set up some targets to test out your saber's capabilities," Geoff said motioning to the targets, "First you're going to attack a suspended bovine slab with a density two to three times thicker than a human being's ribs. Next you will assault a ballistic gel torso with the density of human flesh, then you'll dismount and attack a torso wearing Alexander's armor.
"Sounds great." Khosbayer replied
"Khosbayer, are you ready?" Geoff asked.
Khosbayer hooted back in reply.
"Then on 3…2…1, charge!"
Khosbayer started towards the first target and shot his blade out, tearing deep into the slab and managing to pull out some of its innards before making his way over to the first ballistic gel torso and again shooting his blade out, slashing it just beneath its neck.
With those two targets dealt with, he dismounts his horse and swings at the bronze cuirass, leaving a dent. He then swings at the helmet, denting it severely.
Dorian walks over to check the damage.
"I'm seeing roughly four inches of penetration here, enough to get at the vital internal organs beneath. This is a killing blow."
He then made his way over to the first gel torso, "You caught this guy just beneath his neck and your blade was drawn all the way through this man's collarbone and the deltoid muscle. This is another kill."
"Your swing to the armor only dented it, he is winded, but the best part is your swing to the helmet, he has a depressed skull fracture, death."
" Our sword is more maneuverable, and it thrusts better." Alexander expert Kendall Wells said.
Alexander slashes back with the Kopis.
"The Kopis was a favorite of the Greeks on horseback," weapons maker Dave Baker started, "It was a one-handed, single-edged sword with a forward-curving blade made of iron that measured 26 inches long and weighed 2 pounds."
Kendall rode up to the outdoor range on horseback with the kopis in hand.
He will attack the same targets as Khosbayer at the outdoor range.
"Kendall, on 3...2...1... Go!"
Kendall moves his horse forward and strikes the first target, leaving a laceration. He approaches the torso and swings at the neck, cutting deep into it. He dismounts and stabs khan's steel lamellar, the blade not penetrating, and then swings at the helmet, leaving only a small scratch.
Dr. Dorian assesses the damage. " Okay your getting only a laceration on the bovine target, this will bleed and hurt but it won't kill him. Your second strike to the torso here managed to sever all his major neck vessels, he'll bleed out very quickly. And finally, your blow to the armor did not penetrate, leaving only a small hole and the helmet shot, nothing at all. This armor saved this guy."
"Remember, the saber is what killed millions of people, that's why armies adopted the saber." Khosbayer said
Both swords showed what they are capable of doing, which gets the edge?
"I was not impress by the Kopis whatsoever, the saber has the reach and the cutting power. Edge Turko-Mongol saber. " Geoff starts.
"Don't forget the damage it can inflict on Alexander's armor, skull fracture and a bleeding in the brain, it's a ticking time bomb you're going to die, edge Turko-Mongol saber." Dorian says.
"Also, the saber is designed for cavalry, which is khan's specialty, edge Saber". Mack concludes.
In short range weapons, Genghis Khan takes the edge with the Turko-Mongol Saber.
Coming up, both warriors will test out their mid-range arsenals when two cavalry lances face off.
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The time has come for both warriors to show off their mid-range weapons.
Both Khosbayer and Kendall rode up on horses with their respective lances.
"The xyston was a 12-foot long thrusting lance that was popular with the cavalry forces of Macedon, or the 'hetairoi,' as they were known back then," Kendall explained, "It consisted of a wooden shaft with a metallic spearhead, as well as a tapering butt spike on the opposite end to counterbalance the weapon."
"Alright for this test, we'll test the xyston against a torso wearing the lamellar armor of Genghis khan."
"Ready when you are Geoff." Kendall says confidently.
"On 3...2...1...charge!"
Kendall motioned his horse to gallop forward. He approaches the torso and impales it, but the lamellar armor holds, only penetrating slightly.
Dr. Dorian checks for any damage done. " This weapon actually pierces the armor only a little, not even a flesh wound and it is in an area that is doubled up. He if felling the hit, but not injured."
"We bring in a better lance, it is longer and meant to pierce armor, with your bronze armor, you're in trouble." Khosbayer says unimpressed.
Genghis Khan responds with the Jida lance.
"The jida is a long spear from Central Asia," Dave started, "It was 12 feet long and weighed 5 pounds. Its blade was 8 inches of steel and was intended for high speed impacts. It could be used on foot, but its primary intended use was as a cavalry weapon."
"Wow, that's a pretty scary looking lance you've got there," Dr. Dorian chuckled as Khosbayer showed his mid-range weapon off, while Kendall scoffed in the background.
"Alright, just like Kendall, we'll test if your lance can get through Alexander's armor."
"Sounds good to me." Khosbayer says.
"Okay on 3...2...1... Charge!"
Khosbayer motions his horse forward towards the armored torso. He impales it straight through the armor with a collective awe from the panelists.
"Okay, your lance managed to penetrate the cuirass and get his heart, this will be an instant kill by itself no question about it." Dorian says.
Both lances have shown their potential, but where do does the panelists stand?
"Even though the Jida pierced the cuirass and got an instant kill, I still have to go with the xyston since it seems to hit harder and has two spear heads. Edge xyston." Geoff says.
"I call it even, the Jida pierces the armor, but the xyston does it harder and had two ends to it, both have no problem being weilded on foot as well. Edge even." Doctor Dorian says
"You have a great point there doc, but the xyston has more power behind it and had that extra head. Edge xyston." Mack concludes.
In mid-range weapons, Alexander the Great takes the edge with the xyston.
Next, we will review the time from Attila the Hun vs Alexander match to see which warrior gets the edge in long range.
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Both long range weapons have been tested before, the team reviews clips from the gastraphetes testing in " Attila the Hun vs Alexander episode. Since Attila and Genghis khan used their bows the same way as horse archers. The team comes to an easy conclusion.
"Even though we didn't test out these weapons. When we tested the Hunnic bow against the gastraphetes, the gastraphetes performed horrendously, on top of that. Genghis and his Mongols had the same level of skill as Attila and his archers. Edge Mongol Recurve Bow." Geoff started off.
"Completely agree." Dorian says. The mongols had arrows designed to penetrate armor. Bronze is no exception. Edge recurve bow."
"Completely agree you guys." Mack says before they all say in unison. Edge recurve bow."
In a unanimous vote, Genghis khan takes it with his recurve bow.
Coming up, both generals finish it off with their special weapons, then after, we see who would win when these two generals finally face off!
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Now, our generals bring out their special weapons, Khan will be up first with his destructive mace.
"The iron flanged mace was a bludgeoning staff weapon consisting of a flanged head on the end of a long handle," Dave explained, "It was typically a short weapon measuring in at two or three feet for foot soldiers and longer variations for cavalrymen. It can break arms, shatter ribs and crush skulls like they are eggshells."
A ballistics gel skull outfitted with Alexander's helmet had been set up, flanked by two synthetic bone skulls.
"Alright Khosbayer, you're going to show us what this can do. The ballistic gel skull has been outfitted with a pressure sensor beneath the helmet. All you have to do now, is destroy," Geoff explained.
"Gladly," Khosbayer nodded.
"When you are ready, on 3…2…1, smash it up!" Geoff shouted.
With a mighty roar, Khosbayer launched himself at the first skull, bringing the mace down and shattering it to pieces, prompting a collective gasp of awe from the onlookers. He then approached the second skull, drew his arm back, and repeated the process of devastation. It was time for the final skull and he drew the mace back, bringing it down on top of the helmet and denting it inward like an aluminum can.
Dr Dorian walks over. " yeah... I honestly have nothing to say besides that these heads don't even exist anymore, holy crap." The shot to the helmet dented it severely and crushes his skull, his helmet is useless."
"You're weapon is wayyyyy too one dimensional." ours has options." Kendall says.
Due to Alexander's Makhaira being similar in design to the Kopis, the team concludes that it will do the same damage as the Kopis.
"The Makhaira resembles the Kopis, the mace had the destructive power behind it and can get Alexander through his helmet. I doubt the Makhaira will get though khan's armor, edge mace." Geoff starts off.
"I give it to the makhaira, sure it definitely won't go through Khan's armor, it has speed and maneuverability and options. Edge makhaira." Dorian says.
"Even if the makhaira has options, I still can't get over the severe damage the mace does, Alexander is screwed. Edge mace." Mack concludes.
In special weapons, Genghis khan gets the edge with the mace.
Coming up, Mack gauges the x factors of these two generals, then its finally a battle to see who is deadliest!
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And now the time has come for Mack to gauge the x-factors of each warrior.
"Generalship is important for these men, Genghis lead his armies to conquer all who stood before him and created the largest land empire ever. Alexander and his armies created the largest empire of his time, both men get a 90."
"Next we factor in physicality, Khan had a very high protein diet, but Alexander trained in pankration, He gets a 92 to Khan's 87."
"Strategy is next. Both men were very good strategists, but Alexander managed to adapt to his battles while khan mostly had rampage assaults. He gets a 94 to khan's 90."
"For endurance, khan was constantly on the move and Alexander trained in pankration. Both generals get an 88 each."
"And lastly. We finish this off with audacity, Alexander got all the way to India, but he let his men return home because they wanted to be with their families, khan invaded areas where others say he would be defeated. Khan gets an 88 to Alexander's 80."
Our scientists and weapons experts are done testing the results and the time has come to decide who will be the victor. To ensure the battle won't be decided by a single lucky blow, the battle will be simulated one thousand times in a duel to the death.
Who will win a battle between two of history's most legendary generals?
Khan will be accompanied by 1 horseman and 3 foot soldiers. All wearing leather lamellar armor and helmets but will carry his shield.
Alexander will be accompanied by 1 macedonian horseman and 3 foot soldiers, all will be wearing his armor.
"In the end there can be only one. Let's find out," Mack said.
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The battle begins on the mongolian steppe. Alexander the great and four of his best men have made it all the way here. The warrior king intends to conquer this new land after conquering India. He has heard tales of a powerful warlord who resides in these lands and decides to challenge him.
Alexander: 5
They come to a stop when they here the sound of a horse.
On a nearby hilltop Alexander spots five men, he has found him, Genghis Khan and his men have come to stop Alexander from interfering with the expansion of the Mongol empire.
Khan: 5
The mighty Khan eyes Alexander and orders his troops to fire a volley of arrows. They all load up their bows and unleash a small volley at the Macedonians.
Alexander and three Macedonian managed to raise their shields, but one foot soldier was unlucky and gets his straight in the eye. Alexander orders his horseman to charge with his xyston. As the horseman does that, a mongol foot soldier charges as well and before he can take the time to aim his bow he is impaled by the xyston, the spear going straight through him.
Khan: 4 - Alexander: 4
Khan is furious at the loss of his soldier and charges at the Macedonian with his jida lance. The Macedonian is impaled and the force knocks him off his horse.
Khan: 4 - Alexander: 3
Both generals order their men to charge at each other, Khan riding off to the distance.
Both sides meet at the center of the field and have various one on one clashes. A Mongol and Macedonian have a duel. The macedonian attempts to stab the Mongol with his makhaira, but the mongol dodges to the side and swings his saber at his hamstrings, sending the macedonian to his knees. The macedonian is then decapitated. The Mongol's victory is short lived when Alexander rides up and swings his Kopis at his neck
Khan: 3 - Alexander: 2
Elsewhere, a mongol is chased by the last macedonian foot soldier. The mongol ducks behind a rock and strings an arrow onto his bow. He moves out of his cover and fired his arrow at the macedonian. The arrow hits the soldier in the arm, the mongol tries to load up another arrow but the Macedonian catches up and tackles him to the ground, he then stabs the mongol in the face with his kopis.
Khan: 2 - Alexander: 2
Alexander is seen riding up to the mongol horseman, they glare at each other. He then charges the mongol, and swings his kopis at him, the mongol raises his shield in an attempt to block but the warrior king reacts quickly and lowers his kopis and stabs the Mongolian in his lamellar armor and knocks him off the horse.
Khan: 1 - Alexander: 2
Khan rides up to the last Macedonian who had killed his man and fires an arrow into the back of his head.
Khan: 1 - Alexander: 1
Both generals now ride into the center of the field. Now it is time for both to see who is the superior general. Both mount charges with their horse and swing at each other, khan's saber hits Alexandern in his cuirass, the cuirass is dented and Alexander is knocked off his horse. Khan sees his opponent is now in the ground and halts his horse. He gets off himself and walks over to the warrior king. Both stand tall facing each other and they slowly approach each other. Alexander swings his kopis at khan but he blocks with his shield.
Khan swings his saber but Alexander catches it with his own shield and then quickly goes to tackle khan. They both fall and after a brief struggle, khan kicks Alexander away and he runs over to his horse. Alexander gets up, picks up his kopis and follows khan.
Khan takes his mace off his horse and hearing Alexander yell while running to him, swings his mace at the warrior kings head, the mace hits Alexander so hard he falls on his side. Khan walks over and turns Alexander over onto his back. The warrior king is barely alive.
With a mighty roar, Khan swings the mace onto Alexander's helmet, denting it and crushing his skull
Khan: 1- Alexander: 0
His opponent dead. Khan raises his fists into the air and yells a mighty victory yell which echoes across the steppe.
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Winner: Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan: 594
Turko-Mongol Saber: 133
Jida Lance: 87
Mongol Recurve Bow: 190
Mace: 184
Alexander the Great: 406
Kopis: 105
Xyston: 199
Gastraphetes: 12
Makhaira: 90
In a battle of the greatest empire builders, Genghis Khan decisively defeats Alexander the Great. His mace and bow scoring nearly two hundred kills. Alexander was only effective with his xyston, which was the deadliest weapon in the simulations.
"Khan won because he had the better armor, which protected him way more often than Alexander's, plus, khan had the advantages with his recurve bow which could penetrate Alexander's armor, Alexander was only effective at mid range with the xyston and he wasn't able to dish out damage at other ranges." Geoff explained.
(Genghis is seen riding off on his horse, Alexander's head is strapped onto his horse, as well as his kopis as a warning to any other enemies who dare challenge him.)
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Next time on Deadliest Warrior, two great archers come to do battle.
Mughal Warrior: Muslim conqueror of India who ruled for nearly 400 years.
vs
English Longbowman: Elite infantry of England who brought France to its knees.
Who..is...Deadliest!
Here is a list of matchups I have planned for the whole season. Hopefully DAM, Zivon, MetalHarbinger and Harbingers of NEVEC can have a say in these match ups.
Ming Warrior vs Ashigaru
Spartan vs Scottish Highlander
Mongol vs Hunnic Horseman
N.V.A. vs Wehrmacht
Roman Legionary vs Aztec Jaguar
Russian Streltsy vs Swiss Guard
Vlad the Impaler vs Hernan Cortes
Oda Nobunaga vs Ivan the Terrible
Attila the Hun vs Hannibal
Ottoman Janissary vs Conquistador
Germanic Ghost Warrior vs Hashashin
Hells Angels vs Russian Mafia
Hezbollah vs Black September
Sicilian Mafia vs Triad
S.N.L.F. vs Blackshirts
Yakuza vs Kkangpae
Landsknecht Doppelsöldner vs French Musketeer
S.A.S. vs Navy S.E.A.L.
El Cid vs William the Conqueror
Han Dynasty Warrior vs Genoese Crossbowman
Kommando Spezialkrafte vs Para Commandos
Imperial Army vs North Korean Army
Saxon Huscarl vs Byzantine Soldier
Saladin vs Charlemagne
C.I.A. vs Mossad
Aztec Eagle Knight vs Cheyenne Dog Soldier
Maori vs Mapuche
I.R.A. vs Chechen Rebels
K.G.B. vs MI6
G.S.G.9. vs YAMAM
Sayeret Matkal vs Spetsnaz
S.W.A.T. vs G.I.G.N.
F.A.R.C. vs Tamil Tigers
Joint Task Force 2 vs G.R.O.M.
Gurkha vs Waffen SS
U.S. Army (WW2) vs Soviet Red Army