Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan Changez Khan was born in 1162 at Mongolia. His father Yesukhei was the chief of the minor Borijin clan of nomadic Mongols, who lived by hunting. His mother’s name was Hoelun. He was given the name Temujin. Mongol legend says that the baby was born with a blood-clot in his fist, a sign that he would be a great warrior. When Temujin was nine, his father took him to a neighboring tribe to work for several years and earn a bride. On the way home, Yesukhei was poisoned by rivals, and died. Temujin returned to his mother, but the clan expelled Yesukhei's two widows and seven children, leaving them to die. They were left alone for many years to care for themselves. Throughout these years, his family met many hardships such as shortage of food and shortage of money. Though unable to read, Genghis was a very wise man. His mother told him at a very early age the importance of trust and independence. "Remember, you have no companions but your shadow". Young Temujin and his full brother Khasar grew to resent their eldest half-brother, Begter. They killed him; as punishment for the crime, Temujin was seized as a slave. His captivity may have lasted more than five years. He was married at the age of sixteen to a slightly older girl named Borje. At the age of 27, by 1206, an assembly of Mongolian chieftains proclaimed him “Genghis Khan”. Which meant Universal or invincible prince. Within five years, the Mongols had annexed much of Siberia till Afghan border, modern China and captured every Khwarizm city, adding lands from Turkey to Russia. In 1222, the 61-year-old Khan called a family conference to discuss the succession. His four sons disagreed over which should be Great Khan. As a compromise, the third son, Ogodei, became successor. Jochi died in February 1227, Ogodei took East Asia, which became China, Chagatai got Central Asia, Tolui, the youngest, took Mongolia proper and Jochi's sons got Russia and Eastern Europe. Genghis Khan died on August 18, 1227, and