Genghis Khan: Conqueror and Ruler

Early Life

• Birth: Born as Temujin around 1162, member of the Borjigin clan.
• Family: Father Yesugei, a Mongol chieftain, mother Hoelun.
• Skills: Learned horsemanship, archery, hunting, and falconry.
• Friendships: Sworn brothers with Jamuga, close with Bo’orchu.

Rise to Power

• Betrothal: Engaged to Borte from the Ongirrad tribe.
• Father's Death: Yesugei poisoned by Tartars.
• Early Struggles: Family reduced to destitution, internal family conflicts.

Unification of Mongolian Tribes

• Rivalries: Main rival Jamuga, leader of Jadarad clan.
• Alliances: Allied with Kereit leader Toghril against Merkit.
• Conflict: Series of battles against Jamuga and other tribes.

Military Strategy and Tactics

• Army Organization: Units of tens, hundreds, thousands; elite bodyguard - keshig.
• Psychological Warfare: Autonomy for peaceful submission, threat of severe consequences for resistance.
• Military Innovations: Use of bows and horses for mobility and power.
• Tactical Maneuvers: Feigned retreats, guerrilla tactics, field battles.

Key Conquests

China

• Jin Empire: Series of battles from 1211 onwards, eventually sacking Beijing.
• Tangut Western Xia: Raids and tribute demands in 1207, formal submission by 1209.

Central Asia

• Khwarezmian Empire: Campaign from 1219, swift series of victories.
• City Sieges: Otrar, Bukhara, Samarkand captured through military prowess.
• Persia and Iraq: Continued westward expansion, leading to the fall of Shah Muhammad II.

Europe

• Caucasus and Russian Steppe: Campaigns by Jebe and Subedei, Battle of the Kalka River.
• Venetian Alliance: Destroyed Genoese trading colony, received Venetian intelligence.

Administration and Governance

• New Empire: Proclaimed in 1206, establishing a Mongol nation.
• Law Code - Great Yasa: Codified traditional customs and military regulations.
• Religious Tolerance: Exemptions for religious leaders, diverse empire.

Legacy

• Successors: Continued expansion under Ogedei, Mongke, and Kublai Khan.
• Impact: Largest contiguous empire in history, marked by military and strategic prowess.
• Reputation: Seen as both a great conqueror and a brutal ruler.

Discussion

• Debate: Views vary on Genghis Khan's legacy as a ruler and conqueror.

Reflect on Genghis Khan's legacy, considering both his achievements and the methods used to achieve his empire-building goals.