Born Temujin in the 12th Century, he was cast out by his tribe when
just a child and left to struggle for survival on the harsh Steppes of
what is now Mongolia. From these beginnings he went on to become Genghis
Khan, leader of the greatest continuous land-based empire the world has
ever seen. His conquered territories stretched from the Caspian Sea to
the borders of Manchuria, from the Siberian forest to what is now
Afghanistan.
He was a charismatic commander and a shrewd military tactician. He
was swift to promote those who served him well, ignoring race or creed,
but vengeful to those who crossed him, killing every inhabitant of
resistant towns, even the cats and dogs. Generally regarded as
barbarians by their enemies, the Mongol armies were in fact disciplined
and effective.
So how did Genghis create such an impressive fighting force? How did
he draw together such diverse peoples to create a wealthy and successful
Empire? And what was his legacy for the territories he conquered?