To understand who Genghis Khan was and the magnitude of his impact, we need to consider the context in which he rose to power. During the 1100s, Mongolia was a sparsely populated region with many tribes. Mongols were illiterate, but they were disciplined and coordinated.

The tribes engaged in frequent wars with neighboring regions north and east of China. A man named Temujin began to create a confederation of Mongol tribes to improve their chances in battle. By 1202, Temujin had created an intimidating force and they attacked and conquered the Tatars to the east.

Temujin's success against the Tatars impressed the aging Mongol king and he was made heir to the throne. In 1206 Temujin became Genghis Khan or "emperor of all emperors". Khan continued the process he had already begun - organizing warriors and consolidating Mongol tribes. He is credited for introducing record keeping and the rule of law into the agrarian society.

By 1210 he overtook the Tangut kingdom, and fought against the Ruzhen in northeast China. His string of conquests was bolstered by his innovative military strategies. He conquered Transoxiana, Bukhara (Uzbekistan) and Samarkand. Later, with brilliant tactics and fierce fighting, he accompanied his armies in successful battles against Persia, Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In 1225, Genghis Khan returned to Mongolia as the ruler of vast swaths of land from the Caspian Sea all the way to Korea. He had power over more of the world than any other conqueror at any time of history. Despite his ferocity, however, the lands he controlled enjoyed freedom of religion and efficient trade routes.

In 1227, another battle was raging between the Mongols and the Tangut. It is believed that during this battle, Khan fell off of his horse and died; he was about 65 years old. The huge Mongolian empire was then ruled by Genghis Kahn's sons and grandson: Ögedei and Kubilai Khan.