Biography of Genghis Kahn

Genghis Khan was originally born as Temujin in 1167. He showed

early promise as a leader and a fighter. By 1206, an assembly of Mongolian chieftains proclaimed him Genghis Khan, which means Universal Prince. This was a bold move for the assembly. They obviously saw some leadership qualities in Genghis that others didn't. When Genghis Khan was little, his chieftain father was poisoned. With no leader left, the tribe abandoned Genghis and his mother. They were left alone for many years to care for themselves. Throughout these years, his family met many hardships such as shortage of food and money. Though unable to read, Genghis was a very wise man. His mother told him at a very early age the importance of trust and independence.

In 1206, Genghis Khan claimed himself the ruler of Mongolia. Genghis was a very respected leader. Like other leaders, he knew what his people wanted.

Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Ordos, Inner Mongolia...

English: The outer gate of Mausoleum of Genghis Kh...

English: Genghis Khan statue before his Mausoleum ...

Obviously, they wanted everything that is good and nothing that is bad. Genghis knew he could not promise this. Genghis didn't want to end up being poisoned like his father, so he made alliances and attacked anyone who posed a serious threat to him. Through this method of leadership, Genghis' army grew to a point where they were unbeatable.

Genghis contributed a lot to the Chinese and even to some of the Western civilizations. Perhaps his greatest contribution was a code of laws that he declared. Since Genghis couldn't read or write, these law were documented by one of his followers. His laws were carried on by people though the many generations and some are still being in used today, either as a modification of Genghis' laws or as the way he had declared them. Genghis Khan promoted the growth of trade between China and Europe. This allowed him...