Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan (1162–1227), founder of the Mongol empire; born Temujin. He took the name Genghis Khan (‘ruler of all’) in 1206 after uniting the nomadic Mongol tribes, and by the time of his death his empire extended from China to the Black Sea; his grandson Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China. In allusive use his name stands for a figure of savage conquest.

Genghis Khan (1162–1227) The founder of the Mongol empire. Originally named Temujin, he took the name Genghis Khan (‘ruler of all’) in 1206 after uniting the nomadic Mongol tribes under his command and becoming master of both eastern and western Mongolia. He then attacked China, capturing Beijing in 1215. When he died his empire extended from the shores of the Pacific to the northern shores of the Black Sea. His grandson Kublai Khan completed the conquest of China.

Genghis Khan (c.1162–1227) Conqueror and founder of the Mongol Empire, b. Temüjin. In 1206, he united Mongolia and was proclaimed Genghis Khan (‘Universal Ruler’). Organizing his cavalry into a highly mobile and disciplined squadron (ordus, hence ‘hordes’), Genghis Khan demonstrated his military genius by capturing Beijing (1215) and subjugating most of n China. He went on to create one of the largest empires ever known, by annexing Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, and invading Russia as far as Moscow. On his death, the empire divided among his sons.