Chinggis Khan 1162-1227

Researchers and scholars from various countries have proclaimed Chinggis Khan the Man of the Millennium, acknowledging that he was a great organizer, diplomat, politician, and warrior. He established Mongolia's legal system and played a decisive role in the development of foreign relations, the economy, and the art of war. In modern Mongolia, Chingis Khan is unequivocally revered as the father of the nation for his pivotal role in uniting the Mongol confederations into the Great Mongolian State. This unification bestowed a common identity upon previously disparate nomadic tribes, who shared only a language and culture. Chinggis Khan had been a gifted boy named Temujin, born into a family of steppe nobility. Following the death of his father, Temujin’s family was banished from their tribe. By 1206, he had united “all those who dwelled in felt-walled tents” and at a Khurildai (assembly) of nobles was proclaimed Chinggis Khan, the Great Khan of Mongolia. His main achievement was the establishment of a unified Mongol Empire by joining the disparate Mongols. He led battles against the Tangut State in 1205 -1227 and the Jin Dynasty (Northern China), taking Beijing in 1211 - 1217. In 1218, the Khwarazm Shah, Mohammed II, slaughtered a Mongolian caravan and a delegation of ambassadors following it at Otrar. Chinggis's incursions into Central Asia were catalyzed by this event, although it was likely only a matter of time before he initiated his offensive. At approximately the same time, Chinggis’s general Subeedei began campaigning in Russia as part of a three year long reconnaissance through Russia and the area around the Black Sea. Chinggis Khan died in 1227.