Mongolian Steppes
Genghis Khan Portrait

Genghis Khan

"I am the flail of god."

Born Temüjin (~1162), he united the nomadic tribes of the Mongol steppe and founded the largest contiguous empire in history.

The Rise of the Wolf

From an outcast boy wearing a wooden collar to the ruler of the world. link

1162

Birth of Temüjin

Born near Burkhan Khaldun clutching a blood clot, a sign of a great warrior. His father Yesugei was poisoned by Tatars when Temüjin was nine.

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Young Temujin

1206

The Great Kurultai

After defeating the Naimans, Merkits, and Tatars, Temüjin is proclaimed Genghis Khan (Universal Ruler) at the headwaters of the Onon River.

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Kurultai

1215

Fall of Zhongdu

The Mongols besiege and sack the Jin Dynasty capital (modern Beijing). The city burned for a month. link

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Siege of Beijing

1219-1221

The Khwarezmian Campaign

Triggered by the murder of his envoys, Genghis unleashes total war on the Muslim Khwarezmian Empire (Persia/Central Asia). Cities like Otrar, Bukhara, and Samarkand are decimated.

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Khwarezm Campaign

1227

The Hidden Death

Died during the campaign against Western Xia. His burial site remains a secret; legends say the funeral escort killed anyone they crossed to conceal the location.

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Funeral