Who was Genghis Khan, and how did the Mongols build such a huge empire?

Genghis Khan (around 1162–1227), born Temüjin, united the Mongol tribes in 1206 and founded the Mongol Empire. After his death, his successors expanded it into the largest contiguous land empire in history, stretching from Korea and China to Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

The Mongols succeeded through highly mobile horse archers, strict discipline, clever tactics like feigned retreats, promotion based on merit, and a fast messenger system. They were also brutal to cities that resisted. Once conquered, the empire allowed relatively safe trade along the Silk Road.

The Mongols repeatedly raided India in the 13th and 14th centuries but were largely held back by the Delhi Sultanate. The Mughal founder Babur descended from Genghis Khan on his mother’s side.