Tímen

A tümen was a historical military unit of the Mongol Empire and subsequent successor states. The term itself is Turkic for "ten thousand," and while a tümen was theoretically composed of 10,000 men, its actual size could fluctuate. This unit was a fundamental building block of Mongol military organization, particularly under Genghis Khan.

The tümen was not merely a numerical designation; it represented a highly organized and disciplined fighting force. Each tümen was further divided into smaller units, such as mingghans (thousands), jagghans (hundreds), and arbans (tens), facilitating command and control. This hierarchical structure allowed for effective maneuverability and coordination on the battlefield.

The adoption of the tümen system was a key factor in the military successes of the Mongol Empire. It provided a standardized framework for raising, equipping, and deploying large armies. While the exact composition and strength of a tümen could vary depending on the specific historical period and region, the concept of a 10,000-strong unit remained a significant organizational principle for centuries. The term and its associated military structure influenced other nomadic and settled powers in Central Asia and beyond.