Genghis Khan

GENGHIS Khan was born as Temujin around 1162. By his late teens, Temujin was a feared warrior and charismatic figure who began to gather followers and forged alliances with other Mongol leaders. Soon Temujin became the leader of a great Mongol confederation and was granted the title Genghis Khan, translated as “Oceanic Ruler” or “Universal Ruler.”

What did he look like?

VERY little is known about Genghis Khan’s personal life or even his physical appearance. Most accounts describe him as tall and strong with a flowing mane of hair and a long, bushy beard. Perhaps the most surprising description comes courtesy of the 14th century Persian chronicler Rashid al-Din, who claimed Genghis had red hair and green eyes. Al-Din’s account is questionable — he never met the Khan in person — but these striking features were not unheard of among the ethnically diverse Mongols.

ALONG with the bow and the horse, the Mongols’ most potent weapon may have been their vast communication network. The mounted courier service, known as the “Yam”, which consisted of a well-organised series of post houses and way stations strung out across the whole of the Empire.

By stopping to rest or take on a fresh mount every few miles, official riders could often travel as far as 200 miles a day. This system allowed goods and information to travel with unprecedented speed, but it also acted as the eyes and ears of the Khan. Thanks to the Yam, he could easily keep abreast of military and political developments and maintain contact with his extensive network of spies and scouts. In later years, the service was famously used by the likes of Marco Polo and John of Plano Carpini.