The splendid city of Merv was devastated by Genghis Khan in 1221, leaving behind a haunting legacy of destruction. The Mongol soldiers issued a decree to end the lives of hundreds of thousands of distraught souls, ravaging the once flourishing city with fire and slaughter. The surviving artisans were deliberately spared by Khan, recognizing their significance beyond mere spoils of war. The Mongol warriors wore silk undershirts made from Bombyx mori cocoons, which surprisingly proved to be incredibly effective in battle, protecting them from arrows and minimizing blood loss. The healing properties of silk played a crucial role in the survival of the soldiers, showcasing the remarkable potential of this fabric.
https://lithub.com/how-silk-helped-the-armies-of-genghis-khan-conquer-asia/