Who was Genghis khan?
Genghis Khan was a Mongol warrior whose conquests built the greatest land empire in history. His empire was huge, stretching across central Asia from the Sea of Japan to the Caspian Sea, and occupying most of modern Russia. At various times this empire included China, Korea, Turkestan, Armenia and Mongolia, as well as parts of Thailand, Vietnam and Burma.
Genghis Khan began life in the plains of Mongolia. He gradually began to build up groups of formerly isolated Mongol tribes until he became the sole ruler of Mongolia. The Mongols attacked China under the leadership of Genghis Khan, and by 1215 they had taken control of the capital, Beijing. Then Genghis Khan and his Mongol forces swept their way westwards through Asia, until they reached the Caspian Sea.
Why were the Mongols so successful?
The Mongols were able to succeed against established armies because they were unpredictable. Armies drew up in battle order and fought in daylight, according to the rules of war. The Mongols, however, were very different. They charged into battle on horseback, relying entirely on speed and surprise and taking no prisoners. Their skill as mounted archers made it difficult for foot soldiers to defend themselves.
Most cities surrendered immediately, rather than risk being massacred.
What were the Mongols’ homes like?
The Mongols lived in large circular tents called yurts. These yurts are still used today. They are made of felt, which is fastened over a light wooden frame. The whole structure can be quickly dismantled and carried by horses as the Mongol tribes migrate across the steppes, or grassy plains, following their grazing flocks.
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