# Khan of Khans (DD-222)

> Genghis Khan, born Temüjin around 1162, united the Mongol tribes and was proclaimed Great Khan in 1206. He led campaigns across northern China and Central Asia that were both innovative and highly destructive, and introduced a legal code, a postal relay system and protections for trade along routes such as the Silk Road. He died in 1227. Under his successors the Mongol Empire grew into the largest contiguous land empire in history. The footage shows illustrations of Genghis Khan and the steppe, with the presenter.

- Department: People (also History)
- First published: 2024-05-06
- Last updated: 2024-05-06
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/khan-of-khans/
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## On the timeline

- **1206**: Temüjin is proclaimed Great Khan
- **1227**: Genghis Khan dies

Full timeline: https://detailenjoyer.com/timeline/?case=khan-of-khans

## Quick facts

- **DD-222-F01**: He was born Temüjin around 1162. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Temüjin))_
- **DD-222-F02**: He became Great Khan in 1206. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (1206))_

## Write-up

Genghis Khan was born Temüjin around 1162. His empire later became the largest contiguous empire in history.

1. **Temüjin**: He was born Temüjin around 1162.
2. **1206**: He became Great Khan in 1206.
3. **Campaigns**: His campaigns were innovative and destructive.
4. **Trade**: He protected Silk Road trade.
5. **Largest empire**: His successors built the largest contiguous empire.

## Related case files

- [The First Roman Emperor (DD-213)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/the-first-roman-emperor/): I linked another empire builder
- [SHŌGUN (DD-223)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/shogun/): I linked another ruler who unified a country by war
- [Canute the Great (DD-216)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/canute-the-great/): I linked another ruler of a vast empire

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: The Reel says he established the largest contiguous empire in history. The empire reached that size under his successors after his death in 1227.

## Video: Khan of Khans: Genghis Khan Was Born Temüjin Around 1162

- Duration: 45.1 s · Published: 2024-05-06
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C6pHwRzKJcQ.mp4

### Transcript

Genghis Khan, born Temujin, rose from humble beginnings to establish the largest contiguous empire in history. As the founder of the Mongol Empire, he was a brilliant military strategist and a fearsome warrior known for his innovative tactics and merciless approach to warfare. Genghis Khan's legacy extends beyond conquest as he forged new laws, promoted trade and connected diverse cultures through the Silk Road. His reign left an indelible mark on the course of history, shaping the political and social landscapes of the vast territories he dominated. Genghis Khan remains a towering figure, symbolizing the complex interplay of barbarism and governance, fear and admiration, and the eternal impact of one man's unyielding will to conquer and unify. NOW YOU KNOW!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What was Genghis Khan's birth name?**  
A: Around 1162. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Temüjin) · Wikipedia: Genghis Khan)_

**Q: When was he proclaimed Great Khan?**  
A: Uniting the tribes. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (1206) · Wikipedia: Genghis Khan)_

**Q: Which trade route did he protect?**  
A: Across Asia. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Campaigns) · Wikipedia: Genghis Khan)_

**Q: When did he die?**  
A: On campaign. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Trade) · Wikipedia: Genghis Khan)_

**Q: When was the empire largest?**  
A: After 1227. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Largest empire) · Wikipedia: Mongol Empire)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Genghis Khan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genghis_Khan)
- [Wikipedia: Mongol Empire](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongol_Empire)

## Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Khan of Khans." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-222, last updated May 6, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/khan-of-khans/