Chinggis Khan: Unifier and Conqueror
From nomadic tribes to a vast empire, explore the story of the Mongol's rise to power
Chinggis Khan 1162-1227 (XIII and XIV century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Chinggis Khaan 1162-1227
Researchers and scholars from various countries have proclaimed Chinggis Khaan the Man of the Millennium, acknowledging that he was a great organiser, 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.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
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.
By Lisa LarsenLIFE Photo Collection
This unification bestowed a common identity upon previously disparate nomadic tribes, who shared only a language and culture.
LIFE Photo Collection
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.
Toda Mongke and His Mongol Horde, Folio from a Chingiznama (History of Genghis Khan) (1596) by Madhu, TulsiLos Angeles County Museum of Art
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.
Map of the Mongol Empire (XX Century)The National Museum 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.
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After his death, Chinggis Khan was transported back to Mongolia and buried on or near the sacred Burkhan Khaldun peak in the Khentii Mountains, on a site he had chosen years before.
Guegk khan’s letter (Letter from Güyük to Pope Innocent IV, 1246.)The National Museum of Mongolia
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Guegk khan’s letter: the grandson of Chinggis Khan, Güyük, the third khan of the Mongolian Empire, wrote a letter to Pope Innocent IV in Rome demanding his submission.
The letter is written in Persian, and the Khaan's seal was stamped twice. The letter was a response to a 1245 letter from the pope to the Mongols. Güyük demanded the pope's submission and a visit from the rulers of the West to pay homage to Mongol power.
Bronze messenger pass (XIII-XIV century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Bronze messenger pass
The messenger's pass, or 'paiza,' is made from bronze and carries an inscription in Persian, the Mongol square script, and Mongol script, which is translated as 'Regard this decree as true and valid.'
Leather armor of mongol soldiers (XIV-XV century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Leather armor of mongol soldiers
The Mongol Empire’s army used protective armor, such as helmets and plated boots made from iron and leather. Starting with the Yuan Dynasty, Mongol soldiers used scaled leather armor.
The bow, birch-bark quiver and arrows (XI-XII century)The National Museum of Mongolia
The bow, birch-bark quiver and arrows
The Mongol bow is most often referred to as the typical Asian recurve bow. It is a composite bow made from ibex horn, sinew, birch wood, birch bark, and wicker.
The bow, birch-bark quiver and arrows (XI-XII century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Arrow case
Quiver is structured around bent wood strips and birch bark covering tied together with leather lace.
Arrowhead (Mongol Age)The National Museum of Mongolia
Arrowhead
Mongols used many types of arrowheads for hunting and other purposes.
The bow, birch-bark quiver and arrows (XI-XII century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Arrows
Broad-bladed arrowheads are primarily used for hunting, while narrower, stronger arrowheads are designed to penetrate leather and metal armor.
The bow, birch-bark quiver and arrows (XI-XII century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Cart wheel hub
In 1948-1949, a joint expedition of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Mongolia and the USSR Academy of Sciences, led by scientist S. V. Kiselyov, found these Cartwheel hubs when the ruins of Kharkhorum were unearthed.
Cart wheel hub (XIII-XIV century)The National Museum of Mongolia
Cart wheel hub
Archaeological artifact from the city of Kharkhorum
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Walk around the exhibition hall to explore more! Notably, several artefacts were excavated from the ruins of the city of Karakorum.
