Who was Genghis Khan?
Genghis Khan was the founder of the Mongol Empire. He united the Mongol tribes in 1206 and launched conquests that created the largest land empire in history after his death.
Born around 1162 with the name Temüjin, he grew up in hardship on the Mongolian steppe after his father was poisoned. Through alliances and battles, he united the nomadic tribes and was proclaimed Genghis Khan, meaning universal ruler, in 1206.
His skilled horseback armies conquered northern China, Central Asia and parts of Persia. The campaigns were extremely brutal, and millions of people died. He also introduced a written legal code, promoted trade and allowed religious freedom across his lands.
The empire after him
Genghis Khan died in 1227. His sons and grandsons, including Kublai Khan, extended the empire from Korea to Eastern Europe. At its peak, it covered about 24 million square kilometers and connected East and West through the Silk Road.
Did You Know?
Genghis Khan's burial place is still unknown. According to legend, those who buried him were sworn to secrecy, and the site has never been found.