In the 1200’s and before Mongolia had a central government. There were different clans, or tribes, that fought for power, land and influence. When a baby named Temujin was born in 1162 no one could see the future and know that things were going to change as fast as they did. Temujin was the son of a very influential clan leader in Mongolia. His family lived a nomadic life with the tribe, following food, water and weather through the seasons. When Temujin was nine years old a rival clan leader poisoned his father. The clan left him and his mom behind to take care of themselves. 
 

While taking care of his family, Temujin became very tough and started to show signs of leadership. As he grew up, he gathered together a misfit clan of his own and they became feared as they conquered one clan after the other across the Mongolian Steppes. Temujin married his primary wife when he was 15. Her name was Borte. It was during this time that Temujin took the title Genghis Khan. Genghis Khan means universal ruler.

Mongolia is about the size of Alaska and travel 1,200 years ago was hard. Genghis Khan made sure all of his soldiers had horses. Mongolian horses are stocky, small and sure-footed. They are also very fast. These qualities gave the Mongolian soldiers an advantage over other armies and made it possible for Genghis Khan to conquer the vast amount of land that he did.

Genghis Khan was very smart. He knew that to be taken seriously, both the Mongolian people and the conquered people needed to be happy. They not only needed a written language, but they also needed laws and punishments for breaking a law. The law that was established under Genghis was called the Jasagh. He also encouraged them to keep their native religion.

Over time, Genghis built a harem and they say he had 44 wives. It is said that he had 120 kids. Genetic testing throughout the former Mongolian empire shows 8% of all men today are directly related to the Great Khan. Scientists believe this proves that he must have had more than 120 children.

In August of 1227 the Great Khan died. His armies were in a battle in China and he made his closest advisors promise to keep his death a secret until after the battle ended. His body was taken to Mongolia but his burial place was also kept a secret. Stories say he was buried with riches, horses and slaves. Many historians and archeologists have spent years looking for the tomb but it is still lost. Would you like to be the one to find his final resting place?