Genghis Khan

Birth

May 24, 1162

Temujin was Genghis Khan's birth name. He was born near the border of modern Mongolia and Siberia. Lengend says he came into this world clutching a blood clot.

Deserted by clan

Aug 24, 1171

Before he turned 10, his father was poisoned to death by an enemy clan. Temujin's own clan deserted him, his mother and his six siblings in order to avoid feeding them.

Establishing an Empire

Oct 22, 1206

Having united the steppe tribes, Genghis Khgan ruled over some 1 milion people. He forbid the selling and kidnapping of women, banned the enslavment of any mongol and made livestock theft punishable by death.

First Campaign

Oct 22, 1209

Genghis Khan’s first campaign outside of Mongolia took place against the Xi Xia kingdom of northwestern China. After a series of raids, the Mongols launched a major initiative in 1209 that brought them to the doorstep of Yinchuan, the Xi Xia capital.

Next Attack

Oct 22, 1211

The Mongols next attacked the Jin Dynasty of northern China, whose ruler had made the mistake of demanding Genghis Khan’s submission. From 1211 to 1214, the outnumbered Mongols ravaged the countryside and sent refugees pouring into the cities.

War against the Khwarezm Empire

Oct 22, 1219

In 1219 Genghis Khan went to war against the Khwarezm Empire in present-day Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Iran. The sultan there had agreed to a trade treaty, but when the first caravan arrived its goods were stolen and its merchants were killed. The sultan then murdered some of Genghis Khan’s ambassadors. Despite once again being outnumbered, the Mongol horde swept through one Khwarezm city after another, including Bukhara, Samarkand and Urgench.

Death

Aug 18, 1227

In early 1227 a horse threw genghis Khan to the ground, causing internal injuries. He pressed on with the campaign against the Xi Xia Empire, but his health never recovered. He died August 18, 1227, just before the Xi Xia were crushed.