10 Genghis Khan Facts That Define History’s Most Famous Barbarian

5. He Was a Brilliant Tactician

Genghis Khan and his generals were admired by many for their brilliant battle tactics. Khan built an enormous army of highly-skilled equestrians known for their quick maneuvers excellent battle defenses. Under Khan’s leadership, the Mongols created the use of several brilliant battle tactics including surprise attacks, taking hostages, psychological warfare, using human shields, and feigned flight.

Using concealment dummy methods to hide the size of the cavalry’s tremendous force, the Mongol army could advance and attack an enemy with little to no warning. These feats would not be possible

without a brilliant leader, who could execute field maneuvers under any condition. Genghis Khan, although remembered for many terrible acts, also is historically remembered as one of the most brilliant leaders of our time. He devised tactics that allowed him to cover conquests across the entire Mongol Empire which stretched over 22% of the entire land area on Earth.

Khan’s versatile attacking style included missile cavalries, mounted archers, and a full infantry force. Together they made quick, and spry maneuvers to outsmart their enemies including coordinated attacks, ambush, wave attacks, and hit-and-runs. Khan spent several months scouting defense teams to set up spy networks before attacking. These networks would map out escape routes and gather the necessary intelligence to succeed.

His use of swift riders and relay stations to relay messages contributed largely to his success in battle. Eventually, traditional Mongol weapons were no longer effective in battle, so Khan adapted strategies including catapulting large stones, cutting off city supplies, and much more.

4. Khan Promoted Religious Tolerance

The Mongol Empire was an extraordinary achievement for Genghis Khan during the 14^th century, and although the Mongol warriors conquered much territory, they surprisingly practiced tolerance for varying religious and cultures.

The main religion practiced during the time of Genghis Khan was Tengerism, which is still practiced by many people in Mongolia today. This form of worship is like Shamanism, which believes that everything in the world has a soul including animals, rocks, trees, and people. Additionally, Tengerists believe that people have anywhere from four to five souls, which remain in nature after death. Further tenants of this religion believe in the concept of Karma, which maintains a balance of good and evil in society.

The Mongol Empire stretched across most of Eastern Europe and the Middle East, which meant that there was a great deal of religious diversity. In addition to Tengerism, there were Islamics, Buddhists, Christians, and Nestorians whom all coexisted together. In fact, the capital city of Kharakhorum, had one Christian church, 12 temples, two mosques, and a variety of other religious places of worship.

According to history, Genghis Khan was interested in all religious and was tolerant of everyone’s right to practice his or her individual beliefs. He even employed several advisors who practiced Buddhism and other varying religions. Eventually, Genghis Khan made religious tolerance a policy and way of life. The authority of the Mongol Empire would never have reached the height and success it did, without Khan’s and the Mongols policy of religious tolerance.

3. He Had a Rough Childhood

From what history and legend could tell, Temujin, who would later become the great, Genghis Khan, had a tough early life. He was the oldest son of a tribal chief named Yesugay, and although little is known about his life during that period, he may have come from a family of blacksmiths, or merchants.

At the age of nine Temujin’s father arranged a marriage for him, and he was sent to the family of his future wife to serve as head of the household, until he reached the appropriate marrying age of 12. Shortly after that, his father was poisoned, leaving Temujin alone with his mother and siblings.

Since his father died when he was so young, his mother taught him everything about Mongolian politics, and he was groomed to be a great leader. She also stressed upon him the importance of strong alliances. During that time, no tribe was on good terms with one another, often leading to turbulence and the need for alliances.

After the death of his father and his unsuccessful attempts to claim his father’s position as chief, Temujin was forced to live in poverty, eating mostly carcasses and wild fruits to live. This lasted for many years until he was rescued and rose to power.

Throughout the course of his childhood, Temujin observed tribal warfare, raids, robbery, and a rough political climate. Some believe his exposure to the corruption, and revenge between China, the South, and other rivaling nations contributed largely in part to who and what he became.