Genghis Khan's Military Campaigns (1207-1227)
by Isabella Min
Genghis Khan was born in Mongolia in about 1162. He was originally named Temujin, but then received the title of Genghis Khan (meaning “Universal Ruler”) when he became the Great Khan of the Mongols. Even at a young age, Genghis Khan was a leader, having taken position as his clan’s chief at the age of 9 when his father died. At the age of 16, he married Borte, uniting his tribe and the Konkirat tribe as an alliance. When he was 20 years old, he was captured by former family allies, but was able to escape, and began an army of his own. Avenging his father’s death, Genghis Khan defeated the Tatar army, the Taichi’ut, and the Naiman tribe. He came up with clever military tactics that ultimately led to his success.
As soon as he was appointed as the Great Khan, Genghis Khan wasted no time setting out on conquests throughout Asia. He and his Mongol military were successful conquerors, and they became very well-known during his time. The main reason behind Genghis Khan’s conquests was so that he could connect the main trade routes between China and Europe. I chose this image because Genghis Khan was an important figure in ancient Asian history. Even though this portrait was not painted until about half a century after his death, I believe it is significant that we as pupils should know and understand about one of the greatest leaders of all time.
As soon as he was appointed as the Great Khan, Genghis Khan wasted no time setting out on conquests throughout Asia. He and his Mongol military were successful conquerors, and they became very well-known during his time. The main reason behind Genghis Khan’s conquests was so that he could connect the main trade routes between China and Europe. I chose this image because Genghis Khan was an important figure in ancient Asian history. Even though this portrait was not painted until about half a century after his death, I believe it is significant that we as pupils should know and understand about one of the greatest leaders of all time.