Genghis Khan
By Zac Jerominski
The Ruler
Genghis Khan was the military and ruler of the Mongrels. Once he united the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian Plateau, he went on to establish the biggest land empire in history. At the peak of its power the Mongol empire was roughly the same size as Africa. He was very idealistic ruler and created one of the greatest empires in the world's history.
Interesting Facts
- 8% of the mongolian population is a descendant of Genghis Khan
- Became self-proclaimed Chinggis Khan or "Universal Ruler", translated in west to Genghis Khan
- Got rid of inherited aristocratic tribal titles
- Banned kidnapping, and slavery
- Ordered to have writing system
- Conducted a consensus of his people to know his population
- Allowed freedom of Religion
- Created organization of army into different groups of men. Arbans (10), Zuuns (100) Mingghans (1000), Tumens (10,000)
- All of army were cavalry men
- Supported international trade to other nations
- Poor and Clergy did not have to pay taxes
- Killed Aristocrates once he invaded a territory, deeming them unimportant
- Connected Western and Eastern Cultures of the World
“No one has ever created anything like that at all. It was about 11 to 12 million square miles…it stretched from Asia all the way across the Mediterranean. It included all the great civilizations of the past, China, Russia, Mesopotamia, Persia and even India…so the majority of the people alive today live in a country once conquered by the Mongols.” - Jack Weatherford.
Timeline of Military Achievements
- 1205 Temujin (later Genghis Khan) defeated all rival tribes and united the rest of the Mongolian plateau
- 1209 he attacked and took over the Xi Xia kingdom in northern China
- 1211-1214 took on the Jin Dynasty and caused mass starvation and burned down the capital of Zhongdu (modern day Beijing) when Jin Ruler tried to leave
- 1219 went on offensive against Khwarezm Empire after, Mongolian merchants and ambassadors were killed in the area - even though outnumbered still won war
- On August 18, 1227 Genghis Khan died after suffering internal damage after being thrown from his horse during another campaign to crush a Xi Xia rebellion
- His descendants went on to conquer most of Asia including all of China and the Middle East
Genghis Khan attributed much of his success from the Tengrism religion. Tengri, the all powerful god of Tengrism, gave Genghis Khan his power to rule, and to beat his enemies
Why is he Important?
Genghis Khan was a man of many talents and was a very influential leader, at his time being able to unite nomadic tribes to start a vast empire. He helped shaped how the world and countries are structured today. He united the common people and understood, how the gaps in wealth destroyed empires so he got rid of them. He lived a simple life, but was very influential in that life.
Works Cited
- https://www.history.com/topics/china/genghis-khan
- https://worldhistory.us/asian-history/early-life-of-genghis-khan-birthplace-background-and-biography.php
- https://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/the-importance-of-genghis-khan/article5582163.ece
- https://www.discovermongolia.mn/blog-news-the-ancient-religion-of-tengriism/