Here are some facts about Genghis Khan.
- Genghis Khan was born in Mongolia around 1155 AD. He is famous for founding the Mongol Empire and uniting many of the nomadic tribes of southeast Asia.
- Genghis Khan’s early life was not easy. At the age of 9 he was forced into an arranged marriage, and at 15 he killed one of his brothers in an argument over food.
- There are no accurate pictures or paintings of Khan. However, accounts of the time describe him as being tall, with a long beard and bluish-green eyes.
- At its height, the Mongol Empire was huge, taking in much of what is now China, Russia and the Middle East. The empire was one of the most culturally diverse in history.
- An estimated 700 tribes and cities were under the rule of Genghis Khan. In 25 years, the Mongols had a larger empire than the Romans had in 400 years.
- Although Genghis Khan was a great warrior, he also brought improvements to the lives of his people. He established the first postal service, encouraged trade and allowed freedom of religion.
- Genghis Khan has been portrayed in about a dozen movies and several novels. A German rock group, Dschinghis Khan, also took their name from the Mongol leader.
- Mongolia’s main airport is named after Genghis Khan. His likeness can also be found on the country’s banknotes, candy bars and other everyday items.
- The ruler probably kept a harem of between 2,000 and 3,000 women. Partly because of this, it is estimated that as many as 200,000 Mongolians may be descended from him.
- Nobody knows how Khan died; he may have fallen from his horse or died of pneumonia. His grave was kept a secret and according to legend a river was diverted over his grave to keep it hidden.
