Genghis Khan, born Temüjin, united Mongol tribes and conquered China and Central Asia. He transformed Mongols into a meritocracy and expanded empire through military campaigns. Known for ruthlessness and loyalty, his legacy is debated.
There are various dates given for the birth of Genghis Khan, including 1155. However, the most favored date today is 1162 in Mongolia. The uncertainty surrounding his birth adds to the mystique of his early life.
Temüjin, later known as Genghis Khan, was born in 1162. He would later become the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire.
Genghis Khan, born on August 18, 1162, was a legendary figure known for his strategic military prowess and the creation of the largest empire in history.
There is a possibility that Genghis Khan was born in this year.
Yesugei Baatar, the father of Temujin who later became Genghis Khan, passed away on January 1, 1171.
In 1172, Temujin took the drastic step of killing his older half-brother, Behter, due to unfair treatment after a hunt. This act marked the beginning of Temujin's reputation as a fierce warrior and his rise to leadership within his household.
In 1178, Temujin married Borte, with whom he had four sons. The marriage was an attempt to form an alliance with the Onggriat Tribe. Borte was later kidnapped by an enemy tribe, but Temujin successfully rescued her, showcasing his skills as a warrior.
Temüjin clashed in battle with Jamukha at Dalan Baljut, resulting in a defeat for Temüjin. This event marked a significant turning point in Temüjin's quest for power and leadership among the Mongols.
In early summer 1196, Temüjin participated in a joint campaign with the Jin against the Tatars and was awarded the honorific cha-ut kuri, meaning 'commander of hundreds' in Jurchen.
On January 1, 1197, Temujin rose to power, marking a significant milestone in his journey to becoming Genghis Khan. This event paved the way for his future conquests and establishment of the Mongol Empire.
In 1201, Temujin's blood brother, Jamukha, was elected as a Gur Khan, leading to a power conflict between the two. This conflict escalated as they both aimed to become the universal ruler of Mongolian tribes.
In 1202, Temüjin achieved victories over the Tayichiud and Tatars, executing their clan leaders and incorporating the remaining warriors into his service.
After the Battle of Qalaqaljid Sands, Temüjin regrouped at Baljuna, where he swore an oath of loyalty known as the Baljuna Covenant to his diverse followers.
Genghis Khan directs an attack against the Tangut kingdom of Xi Xia, leading to the kingdom's declaration of allegiance in 1209.
On January 1, 1206, Temujin officially became Genghis Khan, the supreme ruler of the Mongolian tribes. This marked a significant moment in history as he consolidated his power and leadership over the region.
In 1209, Genghis Khan initiated his first foreign campaign against the kingdom of Xi Xia in Northwestern China. His cavalrymen, skilled with bows and arrows, defeated the Xi Xia ruler who eventually submitted and paid tribute.
In 1210, Genghis Khan refused to submit and pay tribute to Wanyan Yongji, mocking the emperor and leading to a declaration of war.
The Mongols launched an attack on the Tangut state of Xi Xia in 1211.
In 1213, a Mongol detachment led by Jebe infiltrated Juyong Pass, surprising the Jin defenders and paving the way to the Jin capital Zhongdu.
In 1214, the Mongols besieged the capital of Zhongdu (now Beijing), and the Jin ruler agreed to hand over large amounts of tributes. The Jin emperor abandoned the northern half and moved his court to the city of Kaifeng. Genghis Khan took this as a breach of their agreement and sacked Zhongdu to the ground.
In 1215, the Mongols successfully captured Beijing, the northern capital of the Jurchen Jin Dynasty, marking a significant military conquest in the expansion of the Mongol Empire.
In 1216, the Mongols launched an attack on the Jurchen Jin state located in northern China.
In 1218, Jebe led an army to defeat the Naiman prince Kuchlug, who had usurped the throne of the Central Asian Qara Khitai dynasty.
On January 1, 1219, Genghis Khan launched an attack on the Khwarezmia Empire. This military campaign marked a significant event in the expansion of the Mongol Empire.
In 1219, Genghis Khan met with Qiu Chuji, a Taoist sage. This meeting took place during the time when Genghis Khan was at war against the Khwarezm Empire.
Genghis Khan abruptly stopped his Central Asian campaigns in 1221 due to unfavorable omens and the unsuitability of the South Asian climate for his army's skills. The Mongols withdrew from Khorasan to avoid overextension and set their new frontier on the Amu Darya river.
In 1223, following the defeat of the Khwarezmian Empire, Genghis Khan mobilized his troops. While Genghis Khan himself led the main army towards northern India and Afghanistan, his general Subutai launched a successful campaign in Eastern Europe, capturing territories such as Georgia, Kievan Rus', and Hungary.
Genghis Khan initiated his final military expedition against Xi Xia due to their disobedience, issuing a ruthless command to erase all remnants of Xi Xia. He besieged Lingzhou, crossed the Yellow River, and emerged victorious over the Xi Xia army, leading to the surrender of the Xi Xia emperor.
Genghis Khan passed away in a camp during a campaign against Xi Xia after suffering from serious injuries due to a fall from a horse the previous year. His third son, Ögedei Khan, succeeded him and carried on expanding the Mongol Empire. He was laid to rest without any markings, in accordance with his tribe's customs.
Genghis Khan, the founder and Great Khan of the Mongolian Empire, passed away during a campaign against the Chinese Kingdom of Xi Xia. His rule was succeeded by his three sons and eventually his grandson Kublai Khan. Despite his brutal leadership style, his death led to the rise of great successors in the Mongolian Empire.
Genghis Khan passed away due to illness on August 18, 1227.
Genghis Khan fell ill and died on August 25, 1227, after a hunting accident in the winter of 1226-27. His death was kept secret, and the Xia capital fell the following month. The exact cause of his death remains a subject of speculation.
After Genghis Khan's death, Tolui established traditions for succession. A kurultai was held in 1229, where Ogedei was crowned as the Khan, succeeding his father. Ogedei was recognised as the heir due to his leadership qualities and ability to preserve Mongol traditions.
The Mongols defeat the Khwārezm-Shāh Dynasty of Central Asia, further expanding their empire.
In 1233, Kaifeng, the capital of the Jurchen Jin State, fell after a lengthy siege by the Mongols.
In February 1234, the Mongols attacked and conquered the Jurchen Jin State in northern China.
In 1235, Karakorum was established on the Orkhon River as the capital of the Mongol Empire. This strategic location played a crucial role in the administration and expansion of the empire.
The Mongols achieved victory over an army commanded by Henry the Pious, the Duke of Silesia, near Liegnitz (Legnica).
The Mongols defeated an army under the leadership of Bela IV, the king of Hungary, at the Battle of Mohi.
The Mongols successfully capture the great city of Gran (Esztergom) in Hungary.
Ogedei Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire, passes away at the capital Karakorum.
Möngke is elected great khan, becoming the last great khan to base his capital at Karakorum in central Mongolia.
In 1256, a Mongol army led by Hulegu launched a military campaign to invade Persia and the Middle East.
In 1257, the Mongols achieved victory over the Ismailis, also known as the Assassins, in Persia.
The Mongols conquered the Abbasid Caliphate and infamously sacked Baghdad, resulting in the murder of the caliph.
Mongke Khan, the ruler of the Mongol Empire, passed away on this date.
Hulegu started his rule over the Ilkhanate, a part of the Mongol Empire, which lasted until 1265.
Abaqa, ruler of the Ilkhanate, emerges victorious over Baraq, ruler of the Chagatai Khanate, in a significant battle at Herat.
The Ilkhanate, under Abaqa, establishes a trade agreement with the city-state of Venice, enhancing economic ties.
The Mongols achieve victory over the Song Dynasty in China after winning the naval battle at Yaishan.
The Mongols from the Yuan Dynasty launch another invasion of Vietnam in 1286.
Around 1353, the Ilkhanids, also known as the Lesser Khans, ceased to rule Greater Iran, marking the conclusion of their dynasty's dominance in the region.
An entry by Morris Rossabi in The Encyclopedia of Asian History, providing information about Genghis Khan.
In October 2003, an exhibition titled 'The Legacy of Genghis Khan' was held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition showcased artifacts and artworks related to the influence and legacy of Genghis Khan.