Genghis Khan

Definition

Genghis Khan (1162-1227) was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. He is famous for his military campaigns, which resulted in some of the deadliest conflicts in human history but also connected East with West like never before.

Related terms

Kuriltai: A political and military council of ancient Mongol and Turkic chiefs and khans. Genghis Khan was declared leader at one such Kuriltai.

Tumen: A unit of 10,000 soldiers used in the Mongolian army under Genghis Khan.

Golden Horde: One of major divisions of Mongol Empire after death of Genghis Khan; it covered present day Russia.