Genghis Khan (Temüjin) was the founder and ruler of the Mongol Empire, coming to power by uniting several nomadic tribes from throughout the northeastern area of Asia. The Mongol Empire, the most powerful in history, lasted from 1206 to 1368, and spanning most of Eurasia, China, parts of Russia, southern Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Temüjin was approximated to have been born around 1162, but due to a lack of formal records the exact date is unknown.http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa76#751 He was birthed into a nomadic tribe, occupying the Khentii Province, Mongolia, an area near the Onon and Kherlen Rivers. At the age of 9, Temüjin was sent to live with and serve the family of his future bride, Börte, the arrangement stemming from an arranged marriage. Soon after his father left him with the family, Temüjin learned that his father had been killed by Tatars he encountered on his journey home. The young boy returned home to assume his father's position, but with the rest of his tribe refusing to follow a child, Temüjin and his family were left abandoned.http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa76#751 The family survived by small game hunting and gathering. On one hunting trip, Temüjin killed his half-brother and assumed the position of head of the household.

Growing up, Temüjin's mother had taught the boy about the importance of alliances, and he returned to fulfill his duties and marry Börte when he was 16. The couple had four sons together, and no records of their daughters exist.http://www.e-mongol.com/mongolia_history.htm

After struggling for power, and dealing with the in-fighting and clashes of his clan with others they encountered, Temüjin was declared tribal leader in 1206, and claimed the title Genghis Khan. He launched his first major campaign in 1209, into northern China.http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.asp?historyid=aa76#751

Throughout his reign as ruler, Genghis Khan embarked upon a number of campaigns, and gained a reputation as a merciless and aggressive leader.

Genghis Khan died in 1227, after he fell from his horse during a day hunting trip.http://www.coldsiberia.org/chingis.htm

• Born ca.1162 as Temüjin in Khentii Province, Mongolia
• 1184: Temüjin's wife Börte was kidnapped by Merkits
• 1190: Temüjin united the Mongol tribes and became leader, and devised code of law Yassa
• 1201: Won victory over Jamuqa Jadarans
• 1202: Adopted as Khan's heir after successful campaigns against Tatars
• 1203: Won victory over Ong Khan's Keraits
• 1204: Won victory over Naimans
• 1206: Jamuqa was killed. Temüjin was given the title Genghis Khan by his followers in Kurultai.
• 1207-1210: Genghis led operations against the Western Xia, which comprised much of northwestern China and parts of Tibet. Western Xia ruler submitted to Genghis Khan. During this period, the Uyghurs also submitted peacefully to the Mongols and became valued administrators throughout the empire.
• 1211: After Khuriltai, Genghis led his armies against the Jin Dynasty that ruled northern China.
• 1215: Beijing fell, Genghis Khan turned to the west and the Khara-Kitan Khanate
• 1219-1222: Conquered the Khwarezmian Empire
• 1226: Started the campaign against the Western Xia
• 1227: Genghis Khan died

Depending on where in the world people are from, their perceptions of Khan may differ. The Mongolians view him as one of their best leaders, while China views him as a ethnic minority hero. People from Iran and Iraq have a more negative view of his accomplishments; they see him as a destructive force who caused great amounts of damage in their countries during his reign.