Temüjin, later Genghis Khan
- Born:
- c. 1162, Burkhan Khaldun mountain, Khentii province, Mongolia
- Died:
- August 18, 1227, Yinchuan, Western Xia
- Nationality:
- Mongolian
- Profession(s):
- Founder and Great Khan (Emperor) of the Mongol Empire
Early Life and Education
- Born Temüjin, the second son of Hoelun and Yesügei, a Mongol chieftain.
- Early life marked by hardship following his father's death and the abandonment of his family by their clan.
- No formal education; learned through observation and practical experience.
- Forged alliances and demonstrated early military and political acumen.
Career and Major Achievements
- United the disparate Mongol tribes under his rule in 1206 and proclaimed himself Genghis Khan ("Universal Ruler").
- Instituted a written script for the Mongol language and created a legal code known as the Yassa.
- Organized the Mongol army into highly disciplined and effective units.
- Conquered vast territories across Asia, including much of China, Central Asia, and Persia.
Military Campaigns
- 1209: Conquest of the Western Xia dynasty.
- 1211-1215: Conquest of the Jin dynasty (northern China).
- 1219-1221: Invasion and conquest of Khwarazmia (Central Asia).
- 1227: Final campaign against the Western Xia.
Legacy and Impact
Genghis Khan is considered one of the most influential figures in history, responsible for uniting the Mongol tribes and creating the largest contiguous land empire in history. His military innovations and organizational skills had a profound and lasting impact on Asia and beyond. The legacy of this "genghis khan short biography" subject is still debated, with some focusing on his military brutality and others on his contributions to trade, communication, and cultural exchange across Eurasia.
Notable Works
- Yassa: A unified legal code, orally transmitted and later written, that governed the Mongol Empire.