Written by: Shubham Rimal - 23065, Grade XI
Posted on: 22 November, 2021
Genghis Khan (1162-1227 AD) is one of the most powerful emperors in history, conquering most of Asia and almost a third of Europe. The Mongol empire, when in control of Genghis Khan, was able to conquer the southern border areas of Russia, the entire country of present day China, all of Tibet, a small portion of Northern India, all of present day Pakistan, Afghanistan and all Middle Eastern countries excluding Saudi Arabia. In Europe, Genghis Khan was able to conquer parts of eastern European countries. In his conquest he even captured Korea, southern islands of Japan and Taiwan. At their peak, the Mongols controlled an approximate 11-12 million square miles.
While Genghis Khan is considered a bloody and ruthless man, Genghis Khan used to generally advocate literacy, religious freedom, and trade. However, a lot of customs were discarded and frowned upon after Mongol invasion. He also forbade selling of women, theft of property and fighting. Seems kind of hypocritical, but was his own policy.
In his incredible conquest, Genghis Khan’s army killed an estimated 40 million people. This reduced the carbon production greatly as it also stopped deforestation due to absence of such a large number of humans. The Mongol empire which lasted for 2 centuries actually cooled the Earth’s temperature. The reduction in population stopped agricultural progress, allowing forests to grow again which reduced carbon dioxide levels enough to let the earth’s temperature cool down enough to bring winter earlier than usual.
Genghis Khan died on August 18, 1227 AD, while putting down a revolt against the kingdom of Xi Xia. On his deathbed, Genghis Khan ordered that Xi Xia be wiped from the face of the earth. Obedient as always, his army then proceeded to level the cities, burning them down and killing or enslaving the inhabitants.
