Genghis Khan Quick Facts - Quick Facts

Birth

1167?

Death

1227

Place of Birth

Near the Onon River (near the present Russia-Mongolia border)

Known for

Creating one of the largest empires in world history, utilizing personal charisma to gain loyal followers, and applying new technologies and brilliant military tactics in his conquests

Unifying the Mongol peoples and founding the Mongol nation

Milestones

1187? Assumed the title of Genghis Khan (Universal Monarch)

1198 Combined forces with Toghril, an ally of his late father, and the Jin (Chin) Dynasty in what is now northern China to battle the rival Tatar tribe

1200-1202 Defeated a confederation of forces led by Jamuka, a childhood friend; many of Jamuka's followers then allied themselves with the khan

1202 Defeated Tatar forces and ordered the mass executions that destroyed the Tatars

1206 Was proclaimed ruler of all Mongol people by an assembly of Mongol princes following the death of Jamuka

1211 Laid siege to the Jin Dynasty, controlling it within the year

1214 Reached a peace agreement with the Jin, but the following year sacked their capital and forced the emperor to flee

1216-1221 Expanded the Mongol Empire westward into Central Asia, extending his area of control to what is now Iran, Afghanistan, and southern Russia

1221 Defeated Jalal al-Din on the banks of the Indus River, expanding the Mongol Empire to the greatest extent reached within his lifetime

1226 Defeated returning Jin forces on the Huang He (Yellow River), but died the following year while planning a continued offensive

Did You Know

Legend holds that Genghis Khan was born with a clot of blood in his hand, indicating his destiny to become a conqueror.

To establish an alliance with Toghril, Genghis Khan presented him with a fur cloak that he had received as a wedding gift from his wife's father.

After defeating the Tatars, Genghis Khan ordered the slaughter of all people taller than a cart handle, ensuring the loyalty of the next generation.

Mongol forces expanded quickly because defeated people were offered the choice between death and allegiance to the khan.

Genghis Khan was the grandfather of Kublai Khan, Mongol leader and first emperor of the Yuan Dynasty in China.