Military Leader · 1162 – 1227
Genghis Khan
Little-Known Facts
- Genetic studies suggest a strikingly large number of men across Asia may descend from Genghis Khan or his close lineage.
- He could not read, yet ordered the creation of a written Mongol script and law code.
Myths & Misconceptions
Was Genghis Khan only a destroyer?
His wars were devastating, but he also unified the steppe, promoted trade and religious tolerance, and created laws and communication networks that linked Eurasia.