Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan is born

Apr 16, 1162

Genghis Khan, or at that time he was known as Temujin, entered the world carrying a blood clot. The Mongolian tribes believed this was a symbol of a future great warrior or leader.

Genghis Khan is born

Apr 16, 1162

Genghis Khan, or as he was once known, Temujin, was born into the world carrying a blood clot. To the Mongolian tribes this was considered a symbol of a future great warrior.

Temujin's father dies

1172

Around 1171-1172 Temujin's father was poisoned by an enemy tribe and died. After his father's death, Temujin's clan left him and his family behind to provide for themselves alone.

Temujin's father dies

1172

Around 1171-1172 Temujin's father was poisoned and killed by an enemy tribe. Temujin's clan then left him and his family behind to provide for themselves alone. The loss of a father figure and a sense of family at a young age most likely affected his leadership style and ruthlessness in the future.

Temujin kills his brother

1173

In 1173-1178 (the exact date is unknown, but it is somewhere in Temujin's teenage years,) Temujin killed his older half-brother in order to be the dominant figure of his family's household. This was his first stride into becoming a leader.

Temujin kills his brother

1173

In 1173-1178 (the exact date is unknown) Temujin killed his older half-brother in order to become the dominant presence in the household. This was one of Temujin's first strides to becoming a powerful and influential leader.

Temujin marries

1178

In 1178 Temujin married his wife, Borte, who was said to be a great influence on his leadership style. She was one of his most trusted advisors and was a leader herself as Empress of Mongolia. She was a key part of Mongolia's success as her husband was focused on conquering new places.

Event demonstrating power: Temujin unites the Mongol tribes

1206

After years of making his own clan stronger, in 1206 Temujin united the Mongol tribes creating the Mongol Empire. He was granted with the name "Genghis Khan" and started down his path of becoming a powerful leader and warrior.

Accomplishments during his reign

Period: 1206 to 1227

During his time as the Mongol leader Genghis Khan accomplished many things that were not accepted during his time.
- Abolished inherited aristocratic titles
- Banned slavery and torture
- Adopted a writing and postal system
- Granted freedom of religion

Event demonstrating power: Genghis Khan conquers the Xi Xia Empire

1209

In 1209 Genghis Khan started a campaign against the Xi Xia Empire. Using some of the Mongols most famous military tactics they were able to get into the city, although they were unable to flood the city. Still, the Xi Xia Emperor submitted to them.

Event demonstrating power: Genghis Khan conquers the Jin Dynasty

1214

In 1211 Genghis Khan started to conquer the Jin Dynasty. Mongols surrounded their cities and sent in refugees, causing the cities to have food shortages. Hundreds of peasants died and eventually the Mongols attacked the capital. The Jin Dynasty was finally conquered in 1214.

Event demonstrating power: Genghis Khan conquers the Kwarezm Empire

1221

In 1219 Genghis Khan turned his focus to the Kwarezm Empire after him and its Sultan came to an agreement, and agreement the Sultan broke. The Mongols spared everyone who didn't revolt against them or disagree. They used their fearful image as propaganda that made for a great psychological warfare tactic.

Genghis Khan dies

1227

In 1227 during another campaign against the Xi Xia Empire Genghis Khan was thrown off his horse. He suffered multiple internal injuries that eventually killed him. After his death the Xi Xia Empire suffered defeat and Genghis Khan's son took over the Mongol Empire.