[Canadian Sheepfarmer]

I've always been fascinated by old Ghengis. He completely dominated Asia, Russia and parts of Europe, he and his horde started as a small pastoral tribe of Mongols living in the hilly country to the north of China. Sheep, goats, some cattle. This tribe was neither more warlike or more formidable than its neighbours until the close of the 12th century, when there appeared in it ' a mighty hunter before the Lord, 'described by a Chinese writer of the time as 'a man of gigantic stature, with broad forehead and long beard, remarkable for his bravery. His people had broad, 4 cornered flat faces, with prominent cheekbones , eyes with no upper eyelashes and very thin hair. Their exteriors are very repulsive.'
 
The giant was Ghengis Khan. Under him they marched west and intended to conqeur the whole world and made a pretty good job of it. Mainly because, like me, they were self sufficient pasturalists. 
 
 Normally when an army marches into foreign country it needs a supply line. A base from which to start, the Horde needed no such infrastructure for it took with it its flocks and herds, its tents and all its worldly goods. Properly speaking it was not an army but a people in transit. All they needed was clean water and pasture, the grass fed the flocks, the flocks fed the warriors, there was no attempt at keeping up communications with the point of departure. This was quite unecessary.
 
Instead of diminishing in numbers, the Horde was constantly increasing as it moved forwards. Other nomadic tribes it encountered on its way needed little persuasion to join the big Adventure.
They conquered Russia and held it for many years, but they didn't invade and capture a single city in the conventional sense. They didn't want land, they had more than enough of that.They wanted grass, and open grazing for their flocks. So they extracted supplies, weapons and horses, things that they could enjoy without giving up their nomadic way of life. They didn't want stuff.They didn't appoint their own ruler, or try to change anyone's religion. The vanquished kept their land, their language, their courts of justice and all other institutions.The Horde moved on telling the Townies that they would be back next year for more. Pay up or else. They were completely ruthless and cruel, but all they wanted was a simple oath of allegiance from the Princes, and this tribute from the people.
 
Hmm, bit of an ol' Shepherds Protection Racket there. 
Anyone in? First we take Manhatten?

[deepinthewoods]

   sounds like a plan, maybe you should suggest this to the occupy movement, although theyve probably got enough sheep as it is.

[bangbang]

I've only got 20 sheep, but they're pretty good at jumping and do like to travel!