Essays on Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan was the founder and first Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which extended across Asia to the Adriatic Sea. He became as one of the most famous conquerors of history.

Temujin, later Genghis Khan, was born around 1162. The chronology of Temüjin’s early life is uncertain. According to legend, he came into the world holding a clot of blood in his hand. Temüjin's early life was difficult. After his marriage in 1178, he began making alliances, building a reputation as a warrior and attracting a growing number of followers.

By 1205 he had vanquished all rivals. In 1206, he established a nation similar in size to modern Mongolia. Temüjin was proclaimed Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan) by the shaman Kokochu, at the Onon River. The title probably meant Universal Ruler.

Genghis Khan’s first campaign took place against the Xi Xia kingdom of northwestern China. In 1211, the Mongols next attacked the Jin Dynasty of northern China. In 1219 Genghis Khan went to war against the Khwarezm Empire. By 1225, he controlled a huge territory from the Sea of Japan to the Caspian Sea.

In early 1227 a horse threw Genghis Khan to the ground that caused internal injuries. His health never recovered and he died on August 18, 1227.

The achievements of Genghis Khan were grandiose. His Mongol Empire became the greatest continental empire of medieval and modern times.