Contents
Genghis Khan
Uniting Mongol groups and founding an empire through far-reaching conquest.
Mongol unification · Military organisation
- Born
- c. 1162
- Birthplace
- Mongolian steppe
- Died
- 1227
More people
Genghis Khan
Born Temüjin, he built alliances and defeated rivals before becoming Genghis Khan. His armies transformed Eurasian politics through campaigns that also destroyed cities and killed large populations.
Early life
Steppe family
Was born into a Mongol chiefly family; accounts differ on his birth year.
Early hardship
His father’s death left the family vulnerable, and his rise depended on changing alliances.
Career
- Late 12th century
Builds a following
Formed alliances and fought rival steppe leaders.
- 1206
Genghis Khan
Was proclaimed ruler after unifying major Mongol groups.
- 1211 onward
Campaigns in China
Attacked the Jin dynasty.
- 1219–1227
Expansion west and south
Invaded the Khwarazmian Empire and later campaigned against Western Xia.
Campaigns & institutions
Mongol unification
Created a new imperial political and military order.
Military organisation
Used disciplined units, mobility and incorporation of skilled personnel.
Khwarazmian conquest
Overran cities in Central Asia in a campaign marked by massacres.
Family & legacy
Succession
His sons and later descendants expanded and divided the empire.
Burial
The location of his grave has not been securely established.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Image: later artistic representation, not a contemporary portrait ↗Photo: Unknown author Unknown author. Public domain · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
