Historical Figures Genghis Khan
Founder & Great Khan of the Mongol Empire Mongols

Genghis Khan

1162 CE – 1227 CE (65 years)

United the Mongol tribes and built the largest contiguous land empire in history. Facilitated Silk Road trade (Pax Mongolica) while conducting devastating conquests.

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Biography

Genghis Khan was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. He came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of northeast Asia.

Key Events

1206 CE
Proclaimed Great Khan, unified Mongols
1211 CE
Invasion of Jin Dynasty (northern China)
1219 CE
Invasion of Khwarezmian Empire
1227 CE
Death during campaign against Western Xia