Who was ghengis khan and how was he able to have “a fifth of the world at its knees”
Genghis Khan, originally named Temüjin, was born around 1162 and became the founder and Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. He came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia and launching a series of military campaigns across Asia that lasted for over two decades.
His military genius, shrewd leadership, and ability to incorporate conquered people into his ranks helped establish a dominion that extended from Eastern Europe across Asia to the Sea of Japan, encompassing large parts of Siberia, the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. At its peak, the Mongol Empire covered over 24 million square kilometers (9.27 million square miles) and affected a sizable portion of the then-known world.
Genghis Khan's success in conquering territories and subduing nations rested on several factors:
1. Military Innovation: The Mongols were renowned for their cavalry tactics. They had extremely mobile horse archers who were skilled at shooting accurately while at a full gallop. They also employed psychological warfare and sophisticated battlefield strategies such as feigned retreats and encirclements.
2. Meritocracy: Unlike many other leaders of the time, Genghis Khan promoted his generals and officials based on merit and loyalty rather than birth or tribal affiliation. This merit-based system encouraged the best warriors and administrators to be in positions of power, which increased the effectiveness of his rule and military campaigns.
3. Communication Networks: The Mongols established an intricate communication network that included relay stations and horse-mounted messengers. This allowed them to coordinate military campaigns over vast distances and manage a sprawling empire.
4. Incorporating Conquered Peoples: Genghis Khan was pragmatic in his approach towards conquered peoples. He would integrate the defeated soldiers into his own forces, and often assimilate their tactics and technologies. Furthermore, he made use of administrative talents from subjugated regions to help govern his empire, bringing in a wide array of skills and knowledge.
5. Religious Tolerance: The Mongol Empire was known for its religious tolerance. Genghis Khan and his successors allowed their subjects to practice their religions freely as long as they paid taxes and remained loyal to the empire. This policy reduced resistance from conquered peoples and helped to maintain order within the vast territories.
6. Ruthless Policies: While Genghis Khan's tolerance and meritocracy facilitated his rule, his initial conquests were often marked by ruthless tactics, including mass killings and the complete destruction of cities that resisted, which spread fear among enemies and subdued potential rebellions.
Genghis Khan's leadership, strategic insight, and the discipline of his armies were key to his success in bending "a fifth of the world to its knees." After his death in 1227, his descendants continued to expand the empire, but it was under Genghis Khan's rule that the foundations for this colossal empire were laid.