Who Was Genghis Khan?

The Mongol people occupied the grassy plains and Gobi desert sandwiched between the forests of Siberia and the agriculturally rich lands of China.  Before Genghis (lived 1162-1227), the Mongols were an illiterate, nomadic and sparsely numbered group of tribes.   Life was hard although they rarely resorted to bloodshed in disputes with each other, raiding goods was far more sensible.  These people were very competent horsemen and fighters.  The name Genghis Khan itself means "Universal Ruler", a title he took after rising to prominence as a clever manager and leader.

Genghis Khan set about organising the military might of his people, and invading territory for his people's improved wealth.  With his ongoing successes his people became convinced they were a blessed race, all others inferior.  But the Mongols were not harsh to other ethnic groups by modern standards.  For instance, Genghis Khan proclaimed freedom of religion throughout his domain, which eventually stretched from China to modern Austria.  Those who surrendered were spared violence and the Mongols are said to have not practised torture (unlike the other peoples they encountered).

Genghis Khan left an impressive legacy.  He is still a hero to the Mongolian people today.  He established codes of law and social traditions (such as banning the kidnapping of women) that still stand.