The Mad Baron

Hello all, this week we will be taking a look at a historical figure who is not very well known. His name is Roman von Ungern-Sternberg, and I would like for everyone to attempt to say his name ten times fast or in a game of Russian-Roullette style Chubby Bunny.

I came across this man while researching World War One a few years ago and have always had a slight fascination with him. You know, he’s the kind of guy that you feel like you should learn about but never do because of his intimidating facial hair. Anyways, I have a World War Two strategy game that I play with a few modifications, and Ungern-Sternberg is a playable character for Mongolia. As it turns out, researching this man became a huge rabbit hole full of wacky information. I would rank him next to Grigori Rasputin when it comes to historical Russian villains.

Nikolai Robert Maximilian Freiherr von Ungern-Sternberg, Roman for short, was born in Austria in 1886 into a German noble family. He was also of Hungarian descent and believed that he was a descendant of Genghis Khan. His family later moved to the Russian Empire where he grew up. Many people said at a young age that he was a bully and often would torture animals. There is a story where he started to strangle his cousin’s pet owl. Modern-day diagnosis most likely would have pointed to a case of anti-social behavior which can turn into sociopaths. Later in life, he would join the Russian military. If you’re wondering, yes, this is a red flag and would contribute to his title of “Mad Baron”.

While serving in the Russian military, he became quite skilled in riding horses, using guns, and swordsmanship all from horseback. Ungern-Sternberg would eventually end up in Eastern Russia serving with Mongolians and Buryats. Buryats are an Eastern Asian nomadic group that lives in the Russian region of Siberia. He became fascinated with their lifestyle, religion, and overall culture that he wanted more of it. He attempted to help Mongolia gain independence but was stopped by Russian authorities who sent him to parts of Mongolia. When World War One broke out, he fought on the Western front against Germany as well as in the Caucus region against the Ottoman Empire.

In 1917, the Russian Empire would experience the beginning of its end. The Communists and other political forces overthrew the government and factions started waging war against each other. Ungern-Sternberg was a staunch monarchist and he even allied himself with a famous Russian cossack named Grigory Semynov who was anti-communist. The two men led several battles against the Communist forces. He would travel throughout Mongolia and China helping Mongols expel the Chinese while also attempting to secure support to restore the Russian monarchy to power. He would eventually move to Mongolia. He would help Bogd Khan become the leader of Mongolia where he would receive the title of Khan himself. This would further his ambition to not only see himself as a direct descendent of Genghis Khan but also the one who would not only restore a Russian monarchy but also kick off another Mongol invasion of Asia. He also became more infatuated with Buddhism.

Unfortunately, Ungern-Sternberg was unable to see his dreams come true. One author states that Ungern-Sternberg was so brutal that he would terrorize local villages cutting down anyone who was seen as a threat or got in his way. This would not just stop at locals but also those who served alongside him in the military. One day, his own troops would commit treason against the “Mad Baron” and hand him over to the Bolsheviks who were now in charge of the Soviet Union. He did escape custody but eventually would be executed by firing squad in the town of Novosibirsk.

The “Mad Baron” seems like a figure from the Wild West except that he was in fact real and in the frozen east of Russia. While he did not have as much of an impact as Rasputin, Ungern-Sternberg is still an interesting figure when looking at monarchists who were against the Communists during the Russian Civil War. With that being said, I hope y’all enjoyed this post. Let me know if there are any other villains from the past that you are interested in!