Early Life
Born in central Mongolia in 1162 to Yesukai and Hoelun, Genghis Khan's true name was Temujin. He was born holding a blood clot in his right hand, which in Mongolian folklore means he was destined for greatness. Part of the Borjigin tribe, at the age of 9, Temujin was arranged a marriage. He was sent to live with the family of his future wife, Borte until he was 12, the marriageable age.
His father soon encountered the rival Tatar tribe. He was poisoned and died shortly after. Upon hearing the news, Temujin rushed home to claim his place as chief, but was dismissed because of his age. The clan abandoned his family. Life was difficult, food was scarce, they were cold, and had little money. This unexpected turn of events infuriated him. Temujin and his half-brother Begter argued over hunting spoils. Begter refused to share food with the rest of the starving family. Temujin saw this as disloyalty, and he killed Begter. Temujin was now head of the family.
Some time in his early teens (around 1177), Temujin was captured and held prisoner by his family's former allies: the Taichi'ud. Temujin managed to escape with the help of a sympathetic guard. He married Borte at the age of 16 (about 1180), securing an alliance with their tribes. Soon after their marriage, Borte was captured by the rival Merkit tribe. She was given to their chief as a wife. Angered, Temujin teamed up with his fellow allies and the powerful Ong Khan. With their help, he rescued Borte. Soon after, Borte gave birth to Temujin's first son Jochi (about 1185). Temujin was skeptical, but later accepted him. These adventures gave Temujin a strong reputation and he began to attract more followers. At this point, China was split into different tribes, all of which despised one another. Temujin decided to conquer all of the tribes and unite them under one ruler, to bring peace.
His father soon encountered the rival Tatar tribe. He was poisoned and died shortly after. Upon hearing the news, Temujin rushed home to claim his place as chief, but was dismissed because of his age. The clan abandoned his family. Life was difficult, food was scarce, they were cold, and had little money. This unexpected turn of events infuriated him. Temujin and his half-brother Begter argued over hunting spoils. Begter refused to share food with the rest of the starving family. Temujin saw this as disloyalty, and he killed Begter. Temujin was now head of the family.
Some time in his early teens (around 1177), Temujin was captured and held prisoner by his family's former allies: the Taichi'ud. Temujin managed to escape with the help of a sympathetic guard. He married Borte at the age of 16 (about 1180), securing an alliance with their tribes. Soon after their marriage, Borte was captured by the rival Merkit tribe. She was given to their chief as a wife. Angered, Temujin teamed up with his fellow allies and the powerful Ong Khan. With their help, he rescued Borte. Soon after, Borte gave birth to Temujin's first son Jochi (about 1185). Temujin was skeptical, but later accepted him. These adventures gave Temujin a strong reputation and he began to attract more followers. At this point, China was split into different tribes, all of which despised one another. Temujin decided to conquer all of the tribes and unite them under one ruler, to bring peace.