Arguably the most promiscuous man in history (save for Rasputin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rasputin)), Genghis Khan was ruler and founder of the largest land-based empire in history.
Biography
Born Temujin around 1162 AD in a Mongol tribe in modern day Mongolia, he was an inconspicuous son of a more or less irrelevant tribal chief. He grew up in a very hostile environment, witnessing the inter-tribal warfare, corruption, assassinations and petty acts of revenge taking place all around him. Including the poisoning of his father. Temujin tried to claim his father’s position as Khan (leader), but the tribe refused to be led by a boy and he and his mother, sister and half-brothers were expelled from the tribe’s protection (though still staying as part of the tribe).
They survived by foraging, and Temujin became the undisputed master of the household after, at age 13, murdering his half-brother in a dispute of hunted game. He eventually regained power within his own tribe, thanking part of his fame by a daring escape after being abducted by a neighboring tribe. During his escape he befriended Jelme and Boorchu, who would later on become two of his generals.
Temujin then slowly but steadily increased in power and influence and even started annexing minor tribes. Rather than suffering the curse of most conquerors, Temujin was a benevolent ruler that offered trade and protection to the conquered tribes, taking them under his wing and even offering leading positions to the ones with merit. This unusual behavior made him both loved and powerful.
Without going into too much detail, Temujin expanded throughout the Mongol planes, eventually becoming the sole ruler and was honored with the title “Genghis Khan”. On a side note, no one really seems to know what “Genghis” means.
Next stop in the great losing line was modern day China. They lost and became part of the Mongol Empire. The Mongol horde also at one time tried to invade Japan, but due to a miraculous course of events, all their ships were diverted by a massive storm which is since then named “Kamikaze” (Japanese for “Divine Wind”). After that a significant part to the West was ready to be sacked.
Genghis Khan is ranked together with most of my previous hero entries as a gifted and brilliant strategist. At the height of his conquest, his empire stretched from the Caspian Sea all the way across Asia to the Chinese sea.
As mentioned before, Genghis Khan was rather unorthodox for his time with his customs. Instead of appointing family members and friends to high government positions, he became famous for leading a meritocracy (the system where rule is done by those deemed most capable for their respective positions). This meant that amongst his government officials and generals you could find former enemies, people ordinarily born into slavery who demonstrated ability and basically any capable person from any social class. Religious tolerance was also a big thing; people were free to worship whoever they pleased and amongst the very Mongol tribes religions varied between Christianity and shamans.
Genghis Khan died in 1227, for reasons unknown. Some sources claim he fell of his horse during combat while others maintain disease as the cause. Regardless, he was buried on a place unknown without any markings per his request.
Legacy
Opinions vary on Genghis Khan. In modern Mongolia and China he is considered a hero. In contrast, parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East see in Timujin and his generals vicious warlords responsible for thousands of deaths and untold destruction.
In my opinion, anyone that made the following quote;
The greatest pleasure is to vanquish your enemies and chase them before you, to rob them of their wealth and see those dear to them bathed in tears, to ride their horses and clasp to your bosom their wives and daughters.
Is A-OK in my book.
In conclusion, we have a ruler that went from foraging and hunting for survival to become the ruler of the greatest empire (in size anyway) ever in the history of humanity. Genghis Khan wins.
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