Genghis Khan

Temujin (Genghis Khan) Was Born

May 31, 1162

Genghis Khan was born on May 31, 1162 near Lake Baikal, Mongolia. However, his birth name was Temujin. His father, Yesukhei, named him Temujin after a rival that he had just defeated. Temujin’s birth is significant because it is said that he was born clutching a clot of blood in his hand. This was a sign that he would become a great warrior and leader. Sources: (Constable 10-11 and Berry and Best 75)

Construction Began On Notre Dame Cathedral

Jan 1, 1163

Construction of the Notre Dame Cathedral began in 1163, in Paris, France. It was built on the remains of two earlier churches. The foundation of stone was laid by Pope Alexander III. Its name means “Our Lady of Paris.” The Notre Dame Cathedral is significant because it became one of the largest and most well-known churches in the world. Source: (Grun 156)

Classes Began At Oxford University

Jan 1, 1168

The first classes at Oxford University started in 1168. This university is located in Oxford, Oxforshire, England. King Henry II would not allow students to go to the University of Paris, so Oxford University started booming. Its original studies were in theology, law, medicine, and liberal arts. Oxford University is significant because it is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, with many famous alumni, from politicians to mathematicians. Source: (“12th Century, 1101 to 1200")

Temujin's Father Died

Jan 1, 1171

In 1171, Temujin’s father, Yesukhei, died. On Yesukhei’s way home from bringing Temujin to the tribe of his future wife, Borte, members of the Tatar tribe invited him to a meal as an offering of peace. During the meal, Temujin’s father was poisoned for his past crimes against the Tatar tribe. This event is significant because this led to Temujin being abandoned and living in poverty. Also, this led to Temujin later seeking revenge on the Tatar tribe. Source: (“Genghis Khan Biography”)

Temujin Killed His Half-brother

Jan 1, 1172

In 1172, Temujin killed his half-brother, Bekhter. Temujin had wanted to proclaim himself as the clan chief and Bekhter was standing in his way. The brothers had been quarreling over the spoils in a hunt. In the quarrel, Temujin shot Bekhter with an arrow, killing him. Temujin killing Bekhter is significant because it made Temujin head of the family and gained him a reputation as a strong warrior. Source: (“Genghis Khan Biography”)

Temujin Married Borte

Jan 1, 1178

Temujin married Borte in 1178. Their families had arraigned their marriage when Temujin was nine. Soon after the marriage, Borte was kidnapped by the Merkit tribe. Temujin rescued her in a daring attack. When Borte returned to the tribe, she gave birth to her first son, Jochi, and Temujin accepted him as his first born. The birth of Jochi is significant because Jochi was now entitled to what would become Genghis Khan’s empire. Source: (“Genghis Khan Biography”)

Construction Began On La Giralda

Jan 1, 1184

Construction of La Giralda began in 1184, in Seville, Spain. Work on this bell tower lasted until 1196. La Giralda was named for the giraldillo, or weather vane, on its peak. The tower was used to call people to pray and also as an observatory. La Giralda’s significance is that it continues to be one of the most beautiful monuments of the Islamic world, and its design has been the inspiration for many other famous towers around the world. Source: (“12th Centruy, 1101 to 1200")

Temujin Was Proclaimed Genghis Kahn

Jan 1, 1206

In 1206, Temujin received the title of Genghis Khan because he united the Mongol tribes and they saw him as a world dominator. Temujin was actually proclaimed Chinggis Khan which means “universal ruler,” but was known as Genghis Khan in the west. The significance of proclaiming Temujin as Genghis Khan is that it carried spiritual and political importance. The Mongols declared him the god of the Mongols, and it was said that he was to rule the world. Sources: (Constable 13 and “Genghis Khan")

Genghis Khan Created The Yassa

Jan 1, 1206

Genghis Khan created the code of law called the Yassa in 1206. The Yassa was based on the Mongol common law but contained rules that prohibited blood feuds, adultery, theft, and bearing false witness. Also, the Yassa granted religious freedom and included laws that reflected the Mongol respect for the environment. The Yassa is significant because it insured the continuous obedience to Genghis Khan and the unification of the Mongol Empire. Source: (“Genghis Khan’s Code of Law”)

Genghis Khan Led The Mongols Against The Xi Xia Kingdom

Jan 1, 1207

Genghis Khan led the Mongols against the Xi Xia Kingdom of northwestern China in 1207. He used his famous false-retreat strategy and it worked. When the Xi Xia Kingdom was fooled by this tactic, Genghis Khan ordered his men to flood the city. Although they were unsuccessful in doing so, the Xi Xia Kingdom surrendered in 1209. This victory is significant because it was the first major conquest in expanding Genghis Khan’s empire. Source: (“Genghis Khan”)

Genghis Khan Attacked The Jin Dynasty

Jan 1, 1211

In 1211 Genghis Khan attacked the Jin Dynasty of northern China. Genghis Khan was outnumbered, but managed to besiege the capital of Zhongdu. The Jin Dynasty surrendered and formed a treaty with the Mongols in 1214. However, Genghis Khan thought the Jin ruler breached the treaty and he sacked Zhongdu to the ground. This is significant because it left the Jin Dynasty vulnerable and they soon fell apart and were destroyed by the Mongols in 1234. Source: (“Genghis Khan”)

The Great Fire Of Southwark Destroyed London

Jul 10, 1212

The Great Fire of Southwark, in London, England, took place on July 10, 1212. Many buildings were destroyed because of their wooden structure.The fire killed thousands of people. This event is significant because it changed the way structures were built. Tiled roofs replaced wooden roofs, making the city safer. Source: (Grun 167)

Genghis Khan Attacked The Khwarezm Empire

Jan 1, 1219

A Mongol caravan was attacked by the Khwarezm Empire. In 1219, Genghis Khan responded by attacking the Khwarezm Empire, which is present day Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Iran. Genghis Khan was outnumbered, but ordered his army to use captured workers as human shields. His army stormed through Khwarezm cities and killed an uncountable number of people. This is significant because it marked the beginning of the Mongols conquering the Islamic states. Source: (“Genghis Khan”)

The University of Naples Frederico II Was Founded

Jan 1, 1224

The University of Naples Frederico II was founded in 1224 in Napoli, Italy. Its founder, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, forbade his subjects to attend any other university and this helped the university grow in numbers and prestige. Frederick II also chose the professors of the university. Because Frederick II forbade his subjects to attend other universities, and because he selected the professors, the university is considered to be the world’s oldest state university. Source: (Grun 169)

Magna Carta Was Reissued

Jan 1, 1225

The Magna Carta was reissued for the third time in 1225 in England. King Henry III authenticated it with the Great Seal of Henry III himself. A copy of the Magna Carta was placed in Lacock Abbey, England for safekeeping. The Magna Carta is significant because it inspired many of the important liberties and rules of law that make up our democracy today. Source: (Grun 168)

Genghis Khan Died

Apr 18, 1227

Genghis Khan died on April 18, 1227 in the Xi Xia Kingdom, but historians are not sure how. One theory is that he developed a fever in battle. Another is that he fell off his horse and died of internal injuries. It is not known where he is buried because of a Mongol custom of not leaving markings of where leaders are buried. The significance of his death is that his decedents further expanded the Mongol empire until its collapse in 1920. Sources: (“Genghis Khan Biography” and “Genghis Khan")