Genghis Khan photo and biography. Great Khan of the Mongol Empire Genghis Khan: biography, years of reign, conquests, descendants

GENGISH KHAN(present Temujin, Temujin) (1155? - August 1227), founder of the Mongol Empire, the largest conqueror and statesman Asian Middle Ages.

early years

Temujin came from a small tribal nobility of northern Mongolia. He was the eldest son of Yesugei Baatur from the Borjigin clan and Oilun from the Onkhirat tribe. By the middle of the 12th century, my father created a relatively independent feudal-tribal possession in the Onon River valley. In 1164, he went to one of the Onkhirat leaders, Day Setchen, whose daughter Borte successfully betrothed to his son, leaving him in this tribe. On the way back, Yesugei died (according to the “Secret Legend”, he was poisoned by the Tatars he met), his inheritance fell apart, and his family fell into poverty. After the death of his father, Temujin was taken from the Onkhirat tribe. OK. 6 years after the death of his father, the leader of the Onkhirats kept his word and married Borte to Temujin, giving her a rich dowry - a sable fur coat. Subsequently, Temujin had many other wives and concubines, but Borte forever retained her influence.

Elevation

Using the previous family ties in the Taichjiut tribe and in the Borjigin clan, Temujin gradually began to gather warriors (nukers) around himself. He managed to attract the attention of the head of the Keraits (at that time a very influential tribe professing Christianity in the form of Nestorianism) Vankhan, as a sign of friendship and recognition of himself as a vassal, giving him Borte's fur coat. Temujin began to create an independent inheritance. After the death of Vankhan, he enters into a fight with his former supporter, also a representative of the Mongolian tribal nobility, Jamukha, whom he defeats in battle and executes in 1201. He appropriates the possession of Jamukha, taking advantage of the discord among Vankhan's relatives and entourage. In 1206, having already destroyed all his powerful opponents, Temujin assembled a kuriltai at the sources of the Onon River, where he was named kaan, seated under a nine-bunched white banner. From that time on he was called Genghis Khan.

Military reform. Escalation of conquests

First of all, Genghis Khan reformed the army, appointing 95 thousand-strong noyons at its head. He creates a system of nomadic government, lays the foundations of legislation in the form of the oral yasa of Genghis Khan. Especially important role in his organizational activities, there was the design of guard units directly involved in guarding and monitoring order in the nomadic headquarters of Genghis Khan. Incentives and punishments are established for all soldiers and administrators of the new state. In 1207, a large military formation was sent to the north, where the forest peoples were to be conquered. This strengthened the territorial base of the state and laid the foundation for a system of appanage estates, which were distributed among the sons and closest relatives of the kaan. New organizational structure troops allowed us to enter into international relations more decisively and demand tribute from surrounding peoples. This tribute included furs, fabrics, weapons, raw materials for weapons (various types of metals), etc. The expansion of possessions led to direct contact with such a large Central Asian power as the Western Xia created by the Tanguts. The first attack on the Tangut state within Gansu and southern Mongolia began already in 1207. In 1209, the conquest of eastern Turkestan, the country of the Uyghurs, took place. There is an active struggle with states located on the territory of modern China. Thus, in 1211, Genghis Khan personally led the Mongol troops in an attack on the state of Jin, created on the territory of Northern China by the Zhuzhen semi-nomadic tribes. By 1215, most of Jin territory was conquered by the Mongols, including the city of Yanjing (modern Beijing), the capital of the state. The newly conquered country was left to be governed by one of Muhuli’s close military leaders. A description of the situation in this part of China, newly conquered by the Mongols, was given by the envoy of the Song emperor Zhao Hong, who visited Yanjing in 1221. He also wrote a description of the Tatar-Mongol conquerors, given in the book "Menda Beilu" (" Full description Mongol-Tatars"). The war with Jin led to the fact that the Mongols adopted Chinese battering and stone-throwing devices; had a significant impact on the further successes of the Mongol armed campaigns. Having stopped on the borders of China proper, Genghis Khan proceeded to the conquest of Central Asia, which began with the defeat of the tribes The Naimans (1218), under whose rule the Karakitai were, separate armies were formed under the leadership of the sons of Genghis in 1219, which were supposed to simultaneously attack Central Asian cities and states.Bukhara and Samarkand were conquered in 1220. The ruler of Khorezm, Khorezmshah Muhammad, died in flight from Mongol troops. Pursuing his son Jemal at-Din, Mongol warriors enter India for the first time, ending their conquest of Central Asia in 1221.

To the west

At the same time, a special corps was allocated, led by Jebe Noyon and Ubegey Baadur, who was tasked with conquering Western countries. Passing the Caspian Sea from the south, this army sweeps through Azerbaijan, the North Caucasus in a destructive whirlwind and advances to the southern Russian steppes. Along the way, Crimea was conquered, the fortress-port of Sudak was taken, and in 1223, at the Battle of Kalka, Mongol troops won a major victory over the militia of the Russian princes. It is characteristic that the outcome of this battle reflected the experience of the Mongol military leaders, who, in accordance with their usual combat strategy, managed to quarrel the Russian princes with their allies - the Polovtsian rulers. The forces of this army after these battles were running out, and, having failed to win the battle with the Volga Bulgarians, the Mongols retreated.

Last trip. Inheritance

Having conquered Central Asia, Genghis Khan returned to Mongolia, from where in 1226 he set off on another campaign against the Tanguts - the state of Western Xia. This country was conquered and enslaved, but in 1227 Genghis Khan dies. His death turned out to be a great test not only for his relatives, who turned to mutual hostility and struggle for political influence and dominance, but also for the entire newly created huge empire. Only in 1229 at the Kuriltai, which was attended by the sons and close relatives of Genghis Khan, as well as the large Mongolian nobility elevated by him, was Genghis Khan’s third son Ogedei elected as the new Great Khan. Later sources claim that this election was in accordance with the will of Genghis Khan, but the two years it took to establish the new khan on the throne indicate a very difficult political situation and struggle in the circles of the highest nobility.

Administrative regulations

However, Genghis Khan proved himself not only to be a great conqueror, but also a brilliant politician and administrator, who was very short time managed not only to establish the power of his relatives and associates in the newly conquered countries, but also to organize the administration of these conquered countries in such a way that all political and administrative functions in these new uluses at the highest level were concentrated in the hands of the central Mongol administration. This was largely facilitated by the creation of a system of state communications that was unique for its time - roads and postal services, wholly at the disposal state power. All key posts in fortresses and garrisons located on the routes of administrative and trade relations were under the direct control of the newly minted Mongol officials and military Mongol garrisons. The empire of Genghis Khan turned out to be the most durable among similar formations ever created by energetic and talented commanders.

The reign of Genghis Khan influenced the development of the political and spiritual culture of the population of many Asian regions. It also influenced the Mongolian nomadic world. In Mongolia itself, the new capital of the Karakorum Empire is being hastily built, where all the subject and vassal rulers are flocking. Here orders and instructions are given for everything huge. Asian world, which was captured by Genghis Khan.

The exact time of birth of Temujin, one of the greatest commanders and conquerors, is unknown. Calculations by Rashid ad-Din, carried out on the basis of documents and archives of the khans of Mongolia, indicate the year 1155, and it was this date that modern historians accepted as a reference. His birthplace was Delyun-Boldok, a tract on the banks of the Onon.

At the age of two, Temujin was mounted on a horse by his father, Yesugei-Baghatur, the leader of one of the Mongol tribes - the Taichiuts. The boy was brought up in the traditions of the warlike Mongols and, at a very young age, had excellent command of weapons and participated in almost all inter-tribal competitions. Temuchin was barely nine years old when his father, in order to strengthen friendship with the Urgenat family, betrothed his son a ten-year-old girl named Borte. Leaving the boy in the family until he came of age future wife, Yesugei set off on the way back, and on the way he spent the night at the site of one of the Tatar tribes. After arriving in his ulus, he fell ill and died three days later. One of the legends says that the Tatars poisoned Temujin's father. After Yesugei's death, his two wives and six children were expelled from the ulus, and they had to wander the steppe, eating only fish, game and roots.

Having learned about the family's problems, Temujin joined her and wandered with his relatives for several years. However, Targutai-Kiriltukh, who seized the lands of Yesugei, realized that the growing Temujin could take cruel revenge, and sent an armed detachment after him. Temujin was captured, and he was put in stocks, which made it impossible not only to eat on his own, but even to ward off flies. He managed to escape and hide in a small lake, plunging into the water in stocks. According to legend, one of the pursuers, Sorgan-Shira, noticed Temujin, pulled him out of the water, and then hid him under wool in a cart. When the detachment left, the savior gave Temuchin a horse and weapons. Later, Sorgan-Shir's son, Chilaun, took a very close position to the throne of Genghis Khan.

Temujin found his relatives and took them to safety. A few years later, he married Borta, destined for him by his father, and received a luxurious sable fur coat as a dowry. It was this fur coat that became an offering to Khan Tooril, one of the most powerful leaders of the steppe, and helped to gain his support. Under the patronage of Tooril Khan, Temujin's power and influence began to grow, and nukers flocked to his camp from all over Mongolia. He began to carry out raids, increasing his herds and possessions. Temujin differed from other similar conquerors in that he did not completely cut out the uluses, but tried to save the lives of even the soldiers who opposed him, and later recruited them into his army.

However, Temujin also had opponents. In his absence, the Merkits attacked the camp, and Temujin’s pregnant wife, Borte, was captured. With the support of Tooril Khan and Jamukha, the leader of the Jadaran tribe, Temujin defeated the Merkits in 1184 and returned his wife. After the victory, he began to live in the same horde with Jamukha, his childhood friend and brother-in-arms, but a year later Jamukha left Temujin, and many of his warriors remained in the horde. During the formation of the management apparatus in the horde, Jalme and Boorchu occupied the leading positions at Temujin’s headquarters, and Subedei-Baghatur received a post equivalent to the chief of staff. By that time, Temujin already had three sons, and in 1186 he created his first ulus. Temujin’s army at that time numbered three tumens - about thirty thousand warriors.

Jamukha could not just break the laws of the steppe and oppose his brother-in-law. But one day he younger brother Taichar tried to steal Temujin's horses and was killed. Jamukha declared revenge on his brother-in-law and marched against him with a huge army. In the battle that took place near the Gulegu Mountains, Temujin was defeated. After this unpleasant event, Temujin accumulated strength and, together with Tooril Khan, began a war against the Tatars. The main battle took place in 1196, and as a result, the combined forces of the Mongols received rich booty, and Temujin acquired the title of dzhauthuri - military commissar. Tooril Khan became a Mongolian van - that is, a prince.

The joint military actions of 1197 - 1198 served to cool relations between Temujin and Tooril Van Khan, since the latter decided that giving his vassal part of the spoils did not make any sense. And since in 1198 the Chinese Jin dynasty ruined many Mongolian tribes, Temujin was able to spread his influence to the eastern regions of Mongolia. Perhaps Temujin was too trusting, because literally a year later he again united with Jamukha and Van Khan, and they struck a blow at the Naiman ruler Buyruk Khan. Upon the troops’ return home, the Naiman detachment blocked their path, and as a result of the betrayal of his comrades, Temujin was left alone with a strong army. He decided to retreat, and the Naiman warriors rushed to pursue Wang Khan and inflicted a crushing defeat on him. Van Khan, escaping persecution, sent a messenger to Temujin with a request to help him out and received help. In fact, Temujin saved Van Khan, and he bequeathed his ulus to the savior.

From 1200 to 1204 Temujin constantly fought with the Tatars and rebellious Mongol tribes. But he stands against them alone, without the support of Wang Khan, wins one victory after another, and his army grows. However, Temuchin acted not only military force, but also through diplomatic means, as well as a method that none of the Mongol leaders had ever used before him. Temujin ordered not to kill enemy soldiers, but first to interrogate them and try to recruit them into his army. At the same time, he distributed the newly arrived soldiers into proven units. In some ways, this policy is similar to the actions of Alexander the Great.

After Temujin’s victory over the Kereits, Jamukha and part of his army joined the army of the Naiman Tayan Khan, expecting that either Temujin would destroy his opponents or fall in battle with them. Having learned about the plans of the Naiman, Temujin in 1204, at the head of forty-five thousand horsemen, came out against them. Despite the enemy's cunning, Temujin's troops overtook and defeated the army of Tayan Khan. Tayan Khan himself died, and Jamukha, as was his custom, left with part of the soldiers even before the battle began. In 1205, Temujin's army continued to capture more and more lands, and most of Jamukha's warriors left him and became subordinate to Temujin. Jamukha was betrayed by his own nukers who wanted to curry favor with Temujin. True, Temuchin destroyed the traitors, and invited his former friend to become his comrade-in-arms. But Jamukha refused and asked for a death worthy of the ruler of the Mongols - without shedding blood. By order of Temujin, the warriors broke Jamukha's spine.

In the spring of the following year, an important event took place in the life of Temujin - he was proclaimed the Great Khan of the Mongols, and he also received a special title - Genghis Khan. Mongolia united into one state with a powerful army. Temujin began the transformation of Mongolia, and one of his most important acts was the introduction of a new law - the Yasa of Genghis Khan.

One of the main places in Yas was occupied by articles about the importance of mutual assistance between warriors on campaigns and about deception punishable by death. The conquered tribes according to Yasa were accepted into the army, and the enemies were mercilessly destroyed. Bravery and loyalty were declared good, and betrayal and cowardice were declared evil. Genghis Khan actually mixed up the tribes and destroyed the clan system, dividing the entire population into tumens, thousands, hundreds and tens. All healthy men who had reached a certain age were declared warriors, but in times of peace they were obliged to manage their own households and, if necessary, come to their khan with weapons. Genghis Khan's army at that time amounted to about one hundred thousand warriors. The Great Khan granted lands to his noyons, and they served him dutifully, carrying out not only the mobilization of soldiers, but also administration in times of peace.

One hundred and fifty Keshikten bodyguards guarded Genghis Khan and received exceptional privileges for this. Later, the Keshikten detachment expanded and turned practically into the personal guard of Chinhis Khan. The khan also took care of the development of courier communications, serving both administrative and military purposes. Speaking modern language, he also organized strategic reconnaissance. Having divided Mongolia into two parts, he placed Boorchu at the head of one wing, and Mukhali, his most tried and true companions, at the head of the other. Genghis Khan also legalized the transfer of positions of senior military commanders by inheritance.

In 1209, Central Asia was conquered, and before 1211, Genghis Khan’s troops conquered almost all of Siberia and imposed tribute on its peoples. Now Genghis Khan's interests moved south. Having defeated the army of Tatars supporting the Chinese, Genghis Khan captured the fortress and secured passage through the Great Wall of China. In 1213, the Mongol invasion of China began. Taking advantage of the power of his army and the fact that many fortresses surrendered to him without a fight, Genghis Khan reached the central provinces of China. IN next year In the spring, Genghis Khan withdrew his troops to Mongolia and made peace with the Chinese emperor. However, immediately after the imperial court left Beijing, allocated by agreement as the capital of China, Genghis Khan again brought his troops behind the Great Wall and continued the war.

After the defeat of the Chinese troops, Genghis Khan began to prepare for a campaign in Central Asia and Kazakhstan. The cities of Semirechye also attracted Genghis Khan because while he was fighting in the Chinese Empire, the khan of the Naiman tribe Kuchluk, defeated at the Irtysh, gathered an army and entered into an alliance with Muhammad, the Shah of Khorezm, and subsequently became the sole ruler of Semirechye. In 1218, the Mongols captured Semirechye, as well as all of eastern Turkestan. In order to win over the population, the Mongols allowed Muslims to practice their own faith, which Kuchluk had previously banned. Now Genghis Khan could invade the lands of rich Khorezm.

In 1220, the capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum, was founded, and Genghis Khan's tumens continued their campaigns in two streams. The first stream of invaders passed through the northern part of Iran and invaded the South Caucasus, and the second rushed to the Amu Darya after Shah Mohammed, who had fled from Khorezm. Having passed the Derbent Passage, Genghis Khan defeated the Alans in the North Caucasus and defeated the Polovtsians. In 1223, the Polovtsians united with the squads of Russian princes, but this army was defeated on the Kalka River. However, the retreat of the Mongol army became unpleasant - in Volga Bulgaria the Mongols received a rather serious blow and fled to Central Asia.

Returning from Central Asia to Mongolia, Genghis Khan undertook a campaign across the western part of China. According to the records of Rashid ad-Din, during an autumn hunt in 1225, Genghis Khan flew out of the saddle and hit the ground hard. That evening he developed a fever. He was ill all winter, but in the spring he found the strength to lead the army on a campaign across China. The resistance of the Tanguts led to the fact that they lost tens of thousands killed, and Genghis Khan ordered the settlements to be plundered. At the end of 1226, Mongol troops crossed the Yellow River, and the path to the east opened before them.

The hundred-thousand-strong army of the Tangut kingdom was defeated by the army of Genghis Khan, which opened the way to the capital. Already in winter the siege of Zhongxing began, and by the summer of 1227 the Tangut kingdom ceased to exist. But before the end of the siege, Genghis Khan died. It is generally accepted that the date of his death was August 25, 1227, but according to other sources it happened in early autumn. According to Genghis Khan's will, Ogedei, his third son, became his successor.

There are many legends about the location of Genghis Khan's tomb. According to some sources, he rests in the depths of the sacred mountain of the Mongols Burkhan-Khaldun, according to others - in his homeland in the upper reaches of the Onon, in the Delyun-Boldok tract.

In world history exists a large number of unique people. They were simple children, often brought up in poverty and did not know good manners. It was these people who radically changed the course of history, leaving behind only ashes. They were building new world, a new ideology and a new outlook on life. Humanity owes its present life to all these hundreds of people, because it was the resulting mosaic of past events that led to what we have today. Everyone knows the names of such people, because they are constantly on people’s lips. Every year, scientists can provide an increasing number of interesting facts from the lives of great people. In addition, many secrets and mysteries are gradually being revealed, the disclosure of which a little earlier could have led to terrifying consequences.

Acquaintance

Genghis Khan is the founder of the first great khan of which he was. He united various scattered tribes located on the territory of Mongolia. In addition, he carried out a large number of campaigns against neighboring states. Most military campaigns ended in complete victory. The empire of Genghis Khan is considered the largest continental empire in all of world history.

Birth

Temujin was born in the Delyun-Boldok tract. The father named his son Genghis Khan in honor of the captured Tatar leader Temujin-Uge, who was defeated just before the boy was born. The date of birth of the great leader is still not known exactly, since different sources indicate different periods. According to documents that existed during the life of the leader and his biographer witnesses, Genghis Khan was born in 1155. Another option is 1162, but there is no exact confirmation. The boy's father, Yesugei-bagatur, left him in the family of his future bride at the age of 11. Genghis Khan had to stay there until he came of age so that the children could get to know each other better. The little girl, the future bride named Borta, was from the Ungirat clan.

Father's death

According to the scriptures, on the way back home the boy's father was poisoned by the Tatars. Yesugei had a fever at home and died three days later. He had two wives. Both of them and their children were kicked out of the tribe by the head of the family. Women and children were forced to live in the forest for several years. They managed to escape by a miracle: they ate plants, the boys tried to fish. Even in the warm season, they were doomed to hunger, since they had to stock up on food for the winter.

Fearing revenge from the heirs of the great khan, the new head of the Targutai tribe, Kiriltukh, pursued Temujin. The boy managed to escape several times, but was eventually caught. They put a wooden block on him, which absolutely limited the martyr's actions. It was impossible to eat, drink, or even get the annoying bug off my face. Realizing the hopelessness of his situation, Temujin decided to escape. At night he reached the lake, where he hid. The boy was completely submerged in the water, leaving only his nostrils on the surface. The head of the tribe's bloodhounds carefully looked for at least some traces of the escapee. One person noticed Temujin, but did not give him away. Later it was he who helped Genghis Khan escape. Soon the boy found his relatives in the forest. Then he married Bort.

The making of a commander

Genghis Khan's empire was created gradually. At first, nukers began to flock to him, with whom he carried out attacks on neighboring territories. Thus, the young man began to have his own land, army and people. Genghis Khan began to form a special system that would allow him to effectively manage the rapidly growing horde. Around 1184, Genghis Khan's first son, Jochi, was born. In 1206, at a congress, Temujin was proclaimed Great Khan by God. From that moment on, he was considered the complete and absolute ruler of Mongolia.

Asia

The conquest of Central Asia took place in several stages. The war with the Karakitai Khanate ended with the Mongols receiving Semirechye and Eastern Turkestan. In order to gain the support of the population, the Mongols allowed Muslims to perform public worship, which was prohibited by the Naimans. This contributed to the fact that the permanent settled population completely took the side of the conquerors. The population considered the arrival of the Mongols to be “the mercy of Allah,” in comparison with the harshness of Khan Kuchluk. The residents themselves opened the gates to the Mongols. It is for this reason that the city of Balasagun was called the “meek city”. Khan Kuchluk was unable to organize a strong enough resistance, so he fled the city. Soon he was found and killed. Thus, the way to Khorezm was opened for Genghis Khan.

Genghis Khan's empire absorbed Khorezm - big state in Central Asia. Weak point it was that the nobles had complete power in the city, so the situation was very tense. Muhammad's mother independently appointed all her relatives to important government positions, without asking her son. Having thus created a circle of powerful support, she led the opposition against Muhammad. Internal relations became greatly strained when the threat of a Mongol invasion loomed. The war against Khorezm ended with neither side gaining a significant advantage. At night, the Mongols left the battlefield. In 1215, Genghis Khan agreed with Khorezm on mutual trade relations. However, the first merchants who went to Khorezm were captured and killed. For the Mongols, this was an excellent reason to start a war. Already in 1219, Genghis Khan, together with the main military forces, opposed Khorezm. Despite the fact that many territories were taken by siege, the Mongols plundered cities, killed and destroyed everything around them. Muhammad lost the war even without a fight, and, realizing this, he fled to an island in the Caspian Sea, having previously given power into the hands of his son Jalal ad-Din. After lengthy battles, the khan overtook Jalal ad-Din in 1221 near the Indus River. The enemy army numbered about 50 thousand people. To cope with them, the Mongols used a trick: after carrying out an outflanking maneuver along the rocky terrain, they struck the enemy from the flank. In addition, Genghis Khan deployed a powerful guard unit of bagaturs. Ultimately, Jalal ad-Din's army was almost completely defeated. He and several thousand soldiers fled from the battlefield by swimming.

After a 7-month siege, the capital of Khorezm, Urgench, fell and the city was taken. Jalal ad-Din fought against the troops of Genghis Khan for 10 long years, but this did not bring significant benefit to his state. He died defending his territory in 1231 in Anatolia.

In just three short years(1219-1221) the kingdom of Muhammad bowed to Genghis Khan. The entire eastern part of the kingdom, which occupied the territory from the Indus to the Caspian Sea, was under the rule of the Great Khan of Mongolia.

The Mongols conquered the West through the campaign of Jebe and Subadei. Having captured Samarkand, Genghis Khan sent his troops to conquer Muhammad. Jebe and Subedei passed through the whole of Northern Iran and then captured the South Caucasus. Cities were captured through certain treaties or simply by force. The troops regularly collected tribute from the population. Soon, in 1223, the Mongols defeated the Russian-Polovtsian military forces. However, retreating to the East, they lost. Small remnants of the huge army returned to the Great Khan in 1224, and he was in Asia at that time.

Hiking

The Khan's first victory, which occurred outside of Mongolia, occurred during the 1209-1210 campaign against the Tanguts. Khan began to prepare for war with the most dangerous enemy in the East - the state of Jin. In the spring of 1211 it began Great War, which claimed many lives. Very quickly, by the end of the year, Genghis Khan’s troops controlled the territory from the north to the Chinese Wall. Already by 1214, the entire territory covering the north and the Yellow River was in the hands of the Mongol army. In the same year, the siege of Beijing took place. Peace was obtained through an exchange - Genghis Khan married a Chinese princess, who had a huge dowry, lands and wealth. But this step by the emperor was only a ruse, and as soon as the khan’s troops began to retreat, after waiting for the right moment, the Chinese resumed the war. For them, this was a big mistake, because in the speed of the Mongols they destroyed the capital to the last pebble.

In 1221, when Samarkand fell, the eldest son of Genghis Khan was sent to Khorezm to begin the siege of Urgench, the capital of Muhammad. At the same time, the youngest son was sent by his father to Persia to plunder and seize territory.

Separately, it is worth noting what happened between the Russian-Polovtsian and Mongol troops. The modern territory of the battle is the Donetsk region of Ukraine. The Battle of Kalka (year 1223) led to the complete victory of the Mongols. First they defeated the Polovtsian forces, and a little later the main forces of the Russian army were defeated. On May 31, the battle ended with the death of about 9 Russian princes, many boyars and warriors.

The campaign of Subedei and Jebe allowed the army to pass through a significant part of the steppes occupied by the Cumans. This allowed military leaders to evaluate the merits of the future theater of operations, study it and think over a reasonable strategy. The Mongols also learned a lot about the internal structure of Rus'; they received a lot from prisoners useful information. Genghis Khan's campaigns were always distinguished by the thoroughness that was carried out before the offensive.

Rus

The Mongol-Tatars invasion of Rus' took place in 1237-1240 under the rule of Genghisid Batu. The Mongols actively attacked Rus', inflicting strong blows, waiting for good moments. The main goal of the Mongol-Tatars was to disorganize the warriors of Rus', sow fear and panic. Battles with big amount they avoided warriors. The tactic was to disunite a large army and break up the enemy piece by piece, wearing him down with sharp attacks and constant aggression. The Mongols began battles by throwing arrows in order to intimidate and distract their opponents. One of the significant advantages of the Mongol army was that battle control was organized in the best possible way. The managers did not fight next to ordinary warriors, they were at a certain distance, so as to maximally cover the viewing angle of military operations. Instructions were given to the soldiers using various signs: flags, lights, smoke, drums and trumpets. The Mongol attack was carefully planned. For this purpose, powerful reconnaissance and diplomatic preparation for battle were carried out. Much attention was paid to isolating the enemy, as well as fanning internal conflicts. After this stage, it concentrated near the borders. The offensive took place along the entire perimeter. Starting from different sides, the army sought to get to the very center. Penetrating deeper and deeper, the military destroyed cities, stole livestock, killed warriors and raped women. In order to better prepare for an attack, the Mongols sent special observation units that prepared the territory and also destroyed the enemy’s weapons. The exact number of troops on both sides is not reliably known, since information varies.

For Rus', the invasion of the Mongols was a severe blow. A huge part of the population was killed, the cities fell into decay, as they were thoroughly destroyed. Stone construction ceased for several years. Many crafts simply disappeared. The settled population was almost completely eliminated. The empire of Genghis Khan and the Mongol-Tatar invasion of Rus' were closely connected, since for the Mongols it was a very tasty morsel.

Khan's Empire

The Empire of Genghis Khan included a huge territory from the Danube to the Sea of ​​Japan, from Novgorod to South-East Asia. In its heyday, it united the lands of Southern Siberia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, China, Tibet and Central Asia. The 13th century marked the creation and flourishing of the great state of Genghis Khan. But already in the second half of the century, the huge empire began to split into separate uluses, which were ruled by the Chingizids. The most significant fragments of the huge state were: Golden Horde, Yuan Empire, Chagatai ulus and the Hulaguid state. And yet the empire's frontiers were so impressive that no general or conqueror could achieve more.

Capital of the Empire

Karakoram city was the capital of the entire empire. The word literally translates as “black stones of the volcano.” It is believed that Karakorum was founded in 1220. The city was the place where the khan left his family during campaigns and military affairs. The city was also the residence of the khan, in which he received important ambassadors. Russian princes also came here to resolve various political issues. The 13th century gave the world many travelers who left notes about the city (Marco Polo, de Rubruck, Plano Carpini). The city's population was very diverse, since each quarter was isolated from the other. The city was home to artisans and traders who came from all over the world. The city was unique in terms of the diversity of its inhabitants, because among them there were people of different races, religions and thoughts. The city was also built up with many Muslim mosques and Buddhist temples.

Ögedei built a palace which he called “The Palace of Ten Thousand Years of Prosperity.” Each Genghisid also had to build his own palace here, which, naturally, was inferior to the building of the son of the great leader.

Descendants

Genghis Khan had many wives and concubines until the end of his days. However, it was the commander’s first wife, Borta, who gave birth to the most powerful and famous boys. The heir to Jochi's first son, Batu, was the creator of the Golden Horde, Jagatay-Chagatay gave the name to the dynasty that ruled over the central regions for a long time, Ogadai-Ogedei was the successor of the khan himself, Tolui ruled the Mongol Empire from 1251 to 1259. Only these four boys had a certain power in the state. In addition, Borta gave birth to her husband and daughters: Khodzhin-begi, Chichigan, Alagai, Temulen and Altalun.

The khan's second wife, Merkit Khulan-Khatun, gave birth to a daughter, Dayrusun, and sons, Kulkan and Kharachar. Genghis Khan's third wife Esukat gave him a daughter, Charu-noinonu, and sons, Chakhur and Kharkhad.

Genghis Khan, whose life story is impressive, left behind descendants who ruled the Mongols in accordance with the Great Yasa of Khan until the 20s of the last century. The Emperors of Manchuria, who ruled Mongolia and China from the 16th to the 19th centuries, were also the direct heirs of the khan in the female line.

Decline of a great empire

The fall of the empire lasted 9 long years, from 1260 to 1269. The situation was very tense, as there was a pressing question about who would receive all the power. In addition, it should be noted the serious administrative problems faced by the management apparatus.

The fall of the empire occurred for the reason that they did not want to live according to the laws established by their father. They could not live by the main postulate “On the good quality and severity of the state.” Genghis Khan was shaped by a cruel reality that constantly demanded decisive action from him. Life constantly tested Temujin, starting from early years his life. His sons lived in a completely different environment; they were protected and confident in the future. In addition, we should not forget that they valued their father’s possessions much less than he did.

Another reason for the collapse of the state was the struggle for power between the sons of Genghis Khan. She distracted them from the pressing affairs of the state. When it was necessary to decide important questions, the brothers were sorting things out. This could not but affect the situation in the country, world status, and the mood of the people. All this led to a general deterioration in the state in many aspects. Dividing their father's empire among themselves, the brothers did not understand that they were destroying it by dismantling it into stones.

Death of a Great Leader

Genghis Khan, whose story is impressive to this day, returned from Central Asia and marched with his army through Western China. In 1225, near the borders of Xi Xia, Genghis Khan was hunting, during which he fell and was seriously hurt. By the evening of the same day he developed a severe fever. As a consequence of this, a meeting of managers was convened in the morning, at which the question of whether or not to start a war with the Tanguts was considered. The council also included Jochi, who did not enjoy much confidence at the top of the government, since he regularly deviated from his father’s instructions. Noticing this constant behavior, Genghis Khan ordered his army to go against Jochi and kill him. But due to the death of his son, the campaign was never completed.

Having recovered his health, in the spring of 1226 Genghis Khan and his army crossed the Xi Xia border. Having defeated the defenders and given the city up for plunder, the khan began his last war. The Tanguts were completely defeated on the approaches to the Tangut kingdom, the path to which became open. The fall of the Tangut kingdom and the death of the khan are very connected, because the great leader died here.

Causes of death

The scriptures say that Genghis Khan's death occurred after he accepted gifts from the Tangut king. However, there are several versions that have equal rights to exist. Among the main and most probable causes The following can be distinguished: death from disease, poor adaptation to the climate of the area, consequences of falling from a horse. There is also a separate version that the khan was killed by his young wife, whom he took by force. The girl, fearing the consequences, committed suicide that same night.

Tomb of Genghis Khan

No one can name the exact burial place of the Great Khan. Different sources disagree on the hypotheses for a number of reasons. Moreover, each of them indicates different places and methods of burial. Genghis Khan's grave can be located in any of three places: on Burkhan-Khaldun, on the northern side of Altai Khan or in Yekhe-Utek.

The monument to Genghis Khan is located in Mongolia. The equestrian statue is considered to be the largest monument and statue in the entire world. The opening of the monument took place on September 26, 2008. Its height is 40 m without the pedestal, the height of which is 10 m. The entire statue is covered with stainless steel, the total weight is 250 tons. Also, the monument to Genghis Khan is surrounded by 36 columns. Each of them symbolizes the khan of the Mongol Empire, starting with Genghis and ending with Ligden. In addition, the monument has two floors and houses a museum, an art gallery, billiards, restaurants, a conference room and a souvenir shop. The horse's head serves as an observation deck for visitors. The statue is surrounded by a large park. The city authorities plan to develop a golf course, an open theater and an artificial lake.

- Genghis Khan born in 1155 on the Onon coast. During this period, his father, the leader Yesugei, fought with the Tatars under the leadership of Temujin. Upon arrival home, Yesugei, who won the victory, received pleasant news - the birth of an heir. While admiring his son, the leader noticed a tiny speck of dried blood on his palm and associated this phenomenon with the victory over Temujin. As a result, he decided to give this name to his born son. At the age of thirteen, after the death of his father, the young man becomes the leader of the Mongols. But some tribes rebel against him and decide to leave his power. Seeing the decay of a once mighty Mongol horde, his mother Hoelun sends the troops remaining loyal to her son to suppress the rebellion. As a result of hostilities, most of the traitorous tribes returned to the rule of Temujin.

Over the subsequent period, Genghis Khan continued to wage continuous wars with neighboring tribes, especially with the Naimans, Merkits and Keraits. In 1206, having become sufficiently strong, Temujin decided to declare himself the supreme ruler of all the tribes of Mongolia. At the congress of leaders - kurultai, he was proclaimed great khan and took new name- Genghis Khan, which means true ruler. He sends his troops against his only enemy, the Naiman Khan Kuchluk, for the final victory over him.

Having defeated the enemy, he forces him and his ally Tokhta-Bek to flee to the Irtysh. IN future plans The Mongol ruler included the conquest of China. Initially, he conquers the western parts of the Tangut country Xi-Xia. Having conquered several cities, Genghis Khan began military operations against his old enemies Tokhta-Bek and Kuchluk. The battle on the banks of the Irtysh ended in victory for the Mongol leader. Tokhta-Bek died, and Kuchluk took refuge with the Khitan Tatars. After the victory, Genghis Khan again sent his horde to Xi-Xia. Having captured the fortress and the passage in the Great Wall of China, he begins military operations in China. Having conquered the state of Jin, he penetrated into the very center of the Chinese Empire. As a result of the invasion, many Chinese commanders went over to the side of Genghis Khan. Having established his power along the entire territory of the Chinese Wall, the Mongol leader sent part of the army under the leadership of his three sons - Ogedei, Jochi and Chagatai to the southern territories, while the other part, led by brothers and commanders, sent east to the sea coast. Genghis Khan and his son Tuli are advancing their forces to the southeastern lands.

Having captured 28 cities, the first army will unite with Genghis Khan. Having reached the rocky cape in Shandong, the Mongol ruler ends his campaign by conquering China. But before leaving foreign territories, he declares to the Chinese emperor his authority over the lands in Shandong and north of the Yellow River, leaving him the capital of Yenping. In addition, the great Mongol conqueror forces the Chinese emperor to present expensive gifts to his wars.

As a result, Genghis Khan was given the emperor's daughter, as well as other princesses. Three thousand horses, five hundred girls and boys were given to the Mongol conquerors. But after the Chinese emperor moved his court to Kaifeng, Genghis Khan invaded China again, conquering and destroying city after city. After the conquest of Bukhara by the Mongols, ancient city was plundered and destroyed to the ground. All residents were brutally killed. After Bukhara, Genghis Khan sent his troops to Samarkand and Balkha. Having surrendered the cities without a fight, the inhabitants were not saved from the robbery and robbery of the conquerors. After Genghis Khan's astrologers informed him of the unfavorable location of the five planets, the Mongol ruler decided that he was in danger of imminent death and went home. But on the way he suddenly fell ill. His illness ended tragically. In 1227, Genghis Khan died. Even before his death, he proclaimed his third son Ogedei as his heir. The great Mongol conqueror was buried in the Kerulina valley.

The name Genghis is a Mongolian name primarily associated with the great ruler Genghis Khan. This name literally means “lord of water”, also translated as “lord of the sea”, “lord of the endless” (in the sense that water is endless, like the sea). Over time, the name began to be interpreted as “great”, “strong”. Among Kazakhs, this name can be pronounced and written in Russian letters as Shyngys.

The ancestor of the Mongols, including Genghis Khan, Borte-Chino, according to the legend of the Mongols, swam across the Tengis Sea and settled in inaccessible lands. It is possible that the great khan of the Mongols took a new name for himself in honor of an ancestor who showed his strength, power and strong will.

The British Library in Londoy houses a book of Ahmad Tabrizi's epic poems "Shahanshah-name", which is also called "Chingiz-name", which is translated as "The Book of the King of Kings". It is possible that the interpretation of the name Genghis as meaning “great” came from here.

The name Chingiz is two-part. The first part of the name “chin” means “true”, “real”, the second part “giz” means “royal descendant”. Therefore, the name can be interpreted as “ruler of the Celestial Empire” (i.e. China), “rank” in in this case means "China".

There is a possibility that the name Chingiz has Chinese origin, but over time it lost its relationship with China and became a real Mongolian name. After the families of the ancestors of the Mongols, Nukuz and Kiyan left their native lands and took refuge in the area of ​​Ergune-kun. From where later Borte-Chino and his descendants came out and formed a related group - the Mongols. The first part of the name “Chin” is also translated as “Chinese”, so there is a possibility of Chinese roots in the name Chingiz.

The main character traits of Chingiz are strong will and determination, combined with modesty and a tendency to idealize.

As a child, Chingiz is a sensitive, conflict-free and good-natured boy. He is attentive to his loved ones, has a strong spirituality, expressed in a heightened sense of beauty. Growing up, Chingiz feels a craving for everything new. He readily takes on fundamentally new, large-scale and grandiose projects. However, he cannot be called an empty dreamer. A man has a strong will, the ability to persuade and stands firmly in his positions. Not everyone can notice this, since Genghis does not display the listed traits unless absolutely necessary.

Chingiz will definitely implement the tasks assigned to him. He will progressively cope with all the obstacles that arise, and very often this man’s methods are very tough. Those who try to stop him are simply swept away by Chingiz. The strong and bright will of Chingiz is especially visible in non-standard and extreme situations. In these cases, the man finds the most rational and effective way out.

In life, Chingiz takes an active position. He has a clear idea of ​​what he wants to achieve and has an excellent grasp of all life situations. You won't embarrass Chingiz abrupt change circumstances, he cannot be caught off guard by difficulties. At the same time, long-term projects do not suit this man well. Genghis can quickly lose interest in the matter and abandon it. This is why it is unlikely that a man will be able to develop own business. He is much better at completing tasks, and the more difficult the task assigned to him, the better he will complete it. However, he will most likely refuse to do work that Chingiz does not see any benefit from.

Chingiz is confident in himself and his abilities, has a sharp critical mind. He knows how to earn money, but spends it easily. Can often make rash decisions. Among his friends, Chingiz has the reputation of being the soul of the company. They value his reliability and value his friendship.

In ordinary life, Chingiz is modest and does not strive to stand out from other people. He has a good sense of humor and is quite diligent at work. Most often, Chingiz makes good progress in the scientific and technical fields. A man may also be interested in work related to literature and philosophy.

In the family, Chingiz becomes an excellent support for his wife and an excellent father, and he usually has a lot of children. For a man, family is a whole, of which he sees himself as a part.

Name day of Chingiz

Chingiz does not celebrate his name day.

Famous people named Chingiz

• Genghis Khan, Genghis Khaan, Genghis Khan ((c.1155/1162 - 1227) proper name - Temujin, Temujin, Temujin; founder and first great khan of the Mongol Empire, who managed to unite the scattered Mongol tribes; commander, leader of the Mongol conquests in Central Asia, China , Eastern Europe and to the Caucasus. After his death, the empire was ruled by his descendants from his first wife, who began to be called Chingizids, Genghisids, Chingiz Family, Chingizovichi. It is highly likely that in modern times there are approximately 16 million male-line descendants of Genghis Khan living around the world.)
• Chingiz Ildrym ((1890 - 1938) birth name - Chingiz Ildrym ogly Sultanov; Azerbaijani Soviet metallurgical engineer, the first Azerbaijani to be awarded the Order of the Red Banner, deputy head of construction of the Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works)
• Chingiz Izmailov ((1944 - 2011) Soviet and Russian psychophysiologist. Together with E.N. Sokolov, he created and developed the concept of vector coding in psychophysiology. The bulk of Ch.A. Izmailov’s works is devoted to the study of sensory systems (especially color vision) and emotions. Analysis The obtained data made it possible to create a geometric model, which is used in medical practice in the treatment of color vision disorders.And a model for the study of emotions made it possible to find exact way measuring emotional intelligence. Ch.A. Izmailov made a great contribution to the development of mathematical psychology in Russia; he became the author of various textbooks and methodological guides on quantitative measurements and mathematical modeling in psychology. He was a teacher at the Faculty of Psychology of Moscow University, and trained three candidates of science.)
• Chingiz Hasan ogly Huseynov ((born 1929) Azerbaijani and Russian writer, literary critic, Doctor of Philology, professor, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, professor of the Faculty of Philology of Moscow State University. Recipient of the Order of Friendship (2000).)
• Chingiz Mustafayev ((1960 - 1992) Azerbaijani civilian and military journalist who made a significant contribution to the development of national television. He covered military events in Nagorno-Karabakh, also from the site of the Khojaly massacre, collaborated with some foreign news agencies. National Hero of Azerbaijan - the title was awarded posthumously in 1992.)
• Chingiz Aitmatov ((1928 - 2008) Kyrgyz writer, wrote in Kyrgyz and Russian languages, Hero of the Kyrgyz Republic (1997), People's Writer of the Kyrgyz Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (1974), Hero of Socialist Labor (1978). Laureate of Lenin (1963) and three State Prizes of the USSR (1968, 1977, 1983). Author of the story "Djamilya" (1957), which brought the writer world fame (published in almost all languages ​​of the world). Many of Chingiz Aitmatov's works were filmed: "The First Teacher", "The Camel's Eye", "Early Cranes" ", "The White Steamer". "The White Steamer" was shown at film festivals in Berlin and Venice. "Ascension to Fuji" (1973) is still staged on the stages of the theater in Kazakhstan, and the story "Piebald Dog Running by the Edge of the Sea" has been filmed not only Russian, but also German filmmakers. In post-Soviet times, Chingiz Aitmatov headed the USSR Embassy (then the Russian Embassy) in Luxembourg, and from 1994 to 2006 he was the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. His other works “White” were also published abroad cloud of Genghis Khan" (1992), "Fairy Tales" (1997), "When Mountains Fall, or "The Eternal Bride" (2006, " Snow Leopard" - in German translation (2007)). In 1998, Ch. Aitmatov was again recognized as a People's Writer in his homeland and awarded the title of Hero of Kyrgyzstan. In 2006 he founded the International Charitable Foundation Chingiz Aitmatov’s “Dialogue without Borders”, the head of which he was until the end of his life. In the USSR, he was also one of the leaders of the Soviet Committee of Solidarity with the Countries of Asia and Africa, the editor-in-chief of the journal “Foreign Literature”, and it was he who initiated the creation of the international intellectual movement “Issyk-Kul Forum”. A park, a street, a theater, and a museum were named in honor of Chingiz Aitmatov, and a prize named after Chingiz Aitmatov was created, which will be presented and awarded on the birthday of the great writer.)
• Chingiz Izmailov ((born 1948) Deputy Minister of Transport Russian Federation since 2001. He worked both on the ships of the Caspian Shipping Company and was also involved in party work. Subsequently engaged international transportation, coordination of transport systems and logistics. Awarded the medals “300 Years of the Russian Navy”, “For Labor Valor”, holder of the badges “Honorary Worker of the Navy”, “Honorary Worker of Transport of Russia”.)
• Chingiz Haji oglu Sadikhov ((born 1929) pianist, National artist Azerbaijan, professor, holder of the Order of Glory (2009))
• Chingiz Abdullayev ((born 1959) Soviet, Azerbaijani writer. He wrote in various genres (short stories, detective stories, historical novels). A documentary novel about the activities of UN experts and Interpol employees “Blue Angels” (1985) was initially banned from publication because contained secret information at that time. The historical novel "The Conspiracy at the Beginning of an Era" (1984-1995) was written using the archives of Rome and Athens. He was able to actively publish only after 1994. Chingiz Abdullayev is able to write a novel in one and a half to two months, although in it's hard to believe. Since 1995, Ch. Abdullayev has been considered one of the most popular Soviet writers after the collapse of the USSR, he has written more than 50 scripts, 170 stories and novels, numerous short stories and journalistic articles. His works have been published in 29 languages ​​of the world, and continue to be published currently. Seven films and two TV series have been made based on the author’s scripts and books. Chingiz Abdullayev is not only a writer, but also an honorary officer of a special forces detachment of five states, and the American press calls him “one of the best authors of our time in the political detective genre.” Chingiz Abdullayev is the winner of various prizes and awards, for example, the “Grand Master” award (2001, Latvia), “Honor and Dignity” (2004, Russia), “Platinum Pen” (2013, Azerbaijan), the German booksellers’ award “For Contribution to development of the European novel" (2004) and many others. Chingiz Abdullayev has visited more than 80 countries of the world, in addition to his native Azerbaijani and Russian languages, he also speaks other languages ​​(Spanish, Turkish, Farsi, English).