7. Tolerant of Different Faiths
For an exacting conqueror, Genghis Khan was tolerant of different faiths. When he conquered territories, he allowed diverse religions to exist and exempted places of worship from taxes. The Great Khan was extremely religious, too. He had deep interests in spirituality, immortality, and philosophy. He often congregated with religious leaders. Records show that he spent long conversations with Taoist leader Qiu Chuji, whom he invited to his camp.
8. Communications Specialist
The war specialist was also a communications specialist. He established what may have been the precursor of the modern postal system – the mounted courier service, called “Yam.” Riders carried merchandise and information across the whole Mongol Empire. The Yam system was also the Khan’s news network. It also served to secure merchants and foreign dignitaries traversing the roads. An account shows that Marco Polo once used the medieval service during one of his expeditions.
9. Cause of Death and Burying Place Unknown
For a very influential and prominent figure in history, Khan’s death and burying place is unknown. Many stories circulated – he allegedly died of injuries when he fell from a horse; severe malaria struck him down; an arrow pierced his knee and caused his death; he forced himself on a princess and was murdered for it. Legendary accounts suggest that his funeral procession was stealthily carried out, with more people getting killed simply because they crossed paths with the funeral procession.
10. He Was Banned
Before Mongolia’s independence from the Soviets, Genghis Khan was a banned topic. The story of the great Khan was deleted out of history books and pilgrimages in his name were strictly prohibited. When the Mongols gained independence in the early 1990s, these accounts were restored and he is now remembered as a prominent name in Mongolia’s history and culture. He’s remembered in the country’s airports, currency, and other local venues.