Genghis Khan
Almost everyone has heard of the name “Genghis Khan,” but few know of this man’s impressive military history and conquering background. Although most countries (including Asia, the Middle East, and Europe) view this man’s acts as a ruthless reign of terror, he is also much admired in Mongolia. In fact, not only is this man a well known and well loved icon in Mongolia, he is known as the founding father of the Mongol nation – a title that is hard to beat.
Genghis Khan (né Temujin) was born into a nomadic tribe called the Borjigin, and as his father was a chieftain, Temujin was considered to be of noble blood. One fateful night, Temujin’s father was poisoned, which left the young Khan with his mother and siblings alone to survive amidst poor conditions. Temujin’s thirst for battle was discovered at the age of thirteen when he is believed to have murdered his brother when a fight ensued over a hunt the two siblings had been on. Legend seems to have lit this young boy’s path from that point on as he manage to escape captors, live in the worst kind of poverty, and successfully unite the Merkits, Naimans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Keraits, and Tatars.
As the warriors that surrounded him began to recognize his unique talent for conflict management and unheard of war tactics, Temujin was baptized “Khan” (meaning “military leader”) by the Kurultai (a wise elder group of Mongol Chiefs). Once he had earned this prestigious title, he went on to conquer the Western Xia Dynasty, the Jin Dynasty, the Kara-Khitan Khanate, the Khwarezmid Empire, Transoxiana and Persia.
The death of this great warrior is relatively unknown. Legend has it that a Tangut princess castrated Ganghis Khan with a knife, which left him bleeding and helpless. Although, two other stories probably relate the truth a bit better. Some believe that Genghis Khan simply died of old age and fatigue (he had been waging battles since his childhood), or that he was killed by the Tanguts (another likely possibility). Either way, the mere mention of Genghis Khan, even today, holds a lot of meaning for military buffs and Mongolians alike. Whether his reign was based on blood lust, or simply the love of his people is uncertain, but his legend is sure to live in infamy forever.
Genghis Khan (né Temujin) was born into a nomadic tribe called the Borjigin, and as his father was a chieftain, Temujin was considered to be of noble blood. One fateful night, Temujin’s father was poisoned, which left the young Khan with his mother and siblings alone to survive amidst poor conditions. Temujin’s thirst for battle was discovered at the age of thirteen when he is believed to have murdered his brother when a fight ensued over a hunt the two siblings had been on. Legend seems to have lit this young boy’s path from that point on as he manage to escape captors, live in the worst kind of poverty, and successfully unite the Merkits, Naimans, Mongols, Uyghurs, Keraits, and Tatars.
As the warriors that surrounded him began to recognize his unique talent for conflict management and unheard of war tactics, Temujin was baptized “Khan” (meaning “military leader”) by the Kurultai (a wise elder group of Mongol Chiefs). Once he had earned this prestigious title, he went on to conquer the Western Xia Dynasty, the Jin Dynasty, the Kara-Khitan Khanate, the Khwarezmid Empire, Transoxiana and Persia.
The death of this great warrior is relatively unknown. Legend has it that a Tangut princess castrated Ganghis Khan with a knife, which left him bleeding and helpless. Although, two other stories probably relate the truth a bit better. Some believe that Genghis Khan simply died of old age and fatigue (he had been waging battles since his childhood), or that he was killed by the Tanguts (another likely possibility). Either way, the mere mention of Genghis Khan, even today, holds a lot of meaning for military buffs and Mongolians alike. Whether his reign was based on blood lust, or simply the love of his people is uncertain, but his legend is sure to live in infamy forever.
Labels: Military Conquerors, Military Leaders
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