In this episode of The History in Motion Podcast, we embark on a journey into the life of Genghis Khan, the warrior-king who built the largest contiguous empire in history. From the windswept steppes of Mongolia, he rose from exile and hardship to unite warring tribes and forge a force that would reshape the world. His military genius, political vision, and relentless ambition turned the Mongols into an unstoppable power that conquered vast swaths of Asia and Europe.

Born as Temüjin in 1162, his early years were defined by struggle—his family was cast out, his father poisoned, and his claim to leadership repeatedly challenged. But through cunning alliances and ruthless determination, he defied the odds, uniting the Mongol clans and setting his sights beyond the steppe. In a matter of decades, his armies would sweep across China, Persia, and Russia, leaving empires in ruins and rewriting the geopolitical map of the medieval world.

But Genghis Khan’s legacy is not just one of conquest. Under his rule, trade flourished along the Silk Road, laws were standardized, and religious tolerance was enforced across his empire. Yet, his campaigns left a trail of destruction, raising the question—was he a visionary leader or a brutal tyrant?

We’ll explore the rise of Genghis Khan, the strategies that made him one of history’s greatest military minds, and the lasting impact of his empire. Join us as we unravel the extraordinary life of the man who shaped the course of history.