Genghis Khan, born Temüjin around 1162 and dying on 25 August 1227, founded and led the Mongol Empire from 1206 until his death. Under his leadership, the empire expanded to become the largest contiguous empire in history. His early life was marked by hardship, including his father's death when he was eight and subsequent abandonment by his tribe. Temüjin overcame these challenges, even killing his half-brother Behter to secure his position. He forged alliances with steppe leaders Jamukha and Toghrul but eventually fell out with both. After a defeat around 1187 and a period under the <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-China" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jin dynasty's</a> dominance, he reemerged in 1196, gaining power rapidly. By 1203, after defeating Toghrul and the Naiman tribe and executing Jamukha, he became the sole ruler of the Mongolian steppe. Assuming the title "Genghis Khan" in 1206, he initiated reforms to integrate the Mongol tribes into a meritocratic empire dedicated to his ruling family. He expanded his empire through military campaigns, including against the Western Xia and Jin dynasty, and led expeditions into Central Asia and the Khwarazmian Empire, causing widespread destruction but also promoting cultural and commercial exchange. Genghis Khan's legacy is mixed. Viewed as a generous leader and a ruthless conqueror, he is credited with welcoming diverse advice and believing in his divine right to rule the world. His conquests led to millions of deaths but also facilitated unprecedented cultural exchange. While regarded as a savage tyrant in <a href="https://history-maps.com/story/Grand-Duchy-of-Moscow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Russia</a> and the Muslim world, Western scholarship has recently reassessed his legacy more favorably. In Mongolia, he is revered as the nation's founding father and was posthumously deified.

Visual Timelines

Genghis Khan Timeline

Genghis Khan Timeline

Birth and Early Life of Genghiz Khan

Formative Years of Genghis Khan

Marriage with Börte

Temüjin elected khan of the Mongols

Battle of Dalan Baljut

Return of Temujin

Battle of Qalaqaljit Sands

Temüjin Decisive win at the Battle of Chakirmaut

Western Xia submits to the Mongol Empire

Genghis Khan of the Mongol Empire

Mongol Campaign against the Jin

Mongols take Beijing

Conquest of the Qara Khitai

Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire

Battle of Parwan

Battle of the Indus

Return to China and Final Campaign of Genghis Khan

Mongols defeat the Kingdom of Georgia

Mongols destroy the Tangut Dynasty

Death of Genghiz Khan

Shop Now

Support HM Project

History of Ireland

Migration of Early Modern Humans

Geopolitical Theories

Life in a Medieval Village

Logistics during the American Civil War

Art of War of the Byzantine Empire

Naval Warfare during the American Revolution

Feedback