Genghis Khan was one of the greatest military leaders in history. The legend of how he united a great empire and the power he gained over controlling such an empire has turned him into a hero.

Genghis Khan’s life was filled with three things betrayals, conspiracies, and success. The greatest takeaway from his life is how he turned the first two into success. Many historians feel strongly that Genghis Khan may have been the greatest leader in history and did that through being ruthless and adaptable. His ruthlessness made him feared and respected while his ability to adapt made his followers believe in his methods, even though they were unorthodox at the time. You may not be an ancient military leader, but you can live and lead like Genghis Khan in modern life with two key practices. Try different approaches when you do things and be willing to adapt. In addition, be fierce and give more effort than those around you.

Early Life of Genghis Khan

Born with the name of Temujin, not much is known about Genghis Khan’s early life. His exact date of birth is also unknown, though it may have been 1162 or 1155. Legend says that he was born holding a blood clot—a sign that he was to be a ruler of great power.

He was brought to live with the family of his future wife Borte at the age of nine. Later, he heard of his father’s death at the hands of the rival Tatar tribe and returned home to claim the position as chief of the clan. The youth was refused on account of his age, and his entire family was ostracized into poverty. During the struggling period, Genghis killed his half-brother over an argument over hunting spoils, and thereby cemented his position as the head of the clan.

He married his betrothed at age sixteen. He had many other wives in his life, but Borte was his principal wife, and only his children with her would inherit.

Adulthood of Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan became fast friends with his father’s blood brother, Toghrul, who was otherwise known as Wang Khan. It was Toghrul who helped Genghis retrieve his wife Borte from her capture by the Merkits. He also blood bonded with Jamukha, Genghis’ childhood friend and Khan of his own tribe.

The enemies at the time included the Naimans, Jin, and Tatars. In 1190, Genghis had united the minor parts of the Mongol confederation. During his reign of power, Genghis had the habit of breaking previously established Mongol military traditions. However, unrest soon came into being, and Genghis was forced to break ties with both Toghrul and Jamukha, the latter jealous of Genghis’ rise in power.

Genghis Khan’s life is filled with betrayals and conspiracies. Despite this, however, the future Mongolian hero kept up with his intelligent military strategies, and proved over and over just how much of a true battle lord he was, being both ruthless and adaptable.

By 1206, Genghis Khan had literally united all of the tribes that are now collectively called the “Mongols”. A council of Mongol chiefs, known as Khuruldai, met and acknowledged Genghis as the Khan of all tribes. He then took the title “Genghis Khan”. This unification of the tribes led to a previously unknown peace, and Genghis’ status of hero.

Death of a Fierce Hero

Genghis Khan died in August 1227, though the reason how and why is unknown and has been under much speculation. Many theories from the legend have cropped up but none are certain. He was buried a hero in a location known only by his funeral escort, as was tradition in his tribe.

Trivia about Genghis Khan

• The legend exaggerated a bit over Genghis’ accomplishments: he did not conquer all of the Mongol empire, but he did get most of it. His son did the rest.
• Having defeated an enemy, he would take in the conquered tribe and adopt them into his own, even going so far as to have orphans adopted into his own family.

According to a very recent study and DNA test, it has been shown that about sixteen million people in the world are descended from Genghis Khan.