Circa 1167-1227
Founder Of The Mongol Empire

Tribal Leader. The origins of the great Mongol leader Genghis Khan are obscure. Originally called Temujin, he was the son of a Mongolian tribal chieftain poisoned by the Tatars. Forced into exile, he spent several years wandering, and during this time he developed a following and claimed the leadership of his tribe. Many who knew Temujin found him to be quite charismatic and ruthless, a young man with strong leadership skills, great determination, and courage. He steadily defeated rival clans and tribes, and, at a great meeting of the Mongol tribes held in 1206, he became Genghis Khan, meaning "Universal Ruler." He claimed to be Heaven's chosen instrument and declared that those against him were in defiance of Heaven's will. As the supreme ruler he organized the Mongols into a keen fighting force and began military campaigns to conquer other...