Early life of Genghis Khan

Early life of Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan was born with the name of Temujin between 1155 and 1167, he was the second son of Yesukhei, a tribal chief of the Kiyad (singular: Kiyan). Yesukhei's clan was called Borjigin (plural: Borjigid). His mother was Hoelun of the Olkunut tribe. He was named after one of the more powerful chiefs of a rival tribe.

Temujin's early life was a most difficult one. When he was only nine, his father delivered Temujin to his future wife's family, where he was to live until he reached the marriageable age of 14. Shortly thereafter, his father was murdered by the neighboring Tartars while returning home , making Temujin the clan's new chief. His clan soon abandoned him and his family, refusing to be led by a mere boy. For the next few years, he and his family lived the way of life of poor nomads, surviving primarily off rodents. In one incident he slew his half-brother over a dispute about sharing hunting spoils. In another, Temujin was captured in a raid by his former tribe and held captive with a wooden collar around his neck. He later escaped with help from a sympathetic captor. His mother Hoelun taught him many lessons on how to survive in the harsh political climate of Mongolia, especially the need for alliances with others, which would shape his understanding in his later years.

Around the age of 16, Temujin married Borte of the Konkirat tribe, and received a black sable coat as a dowry; this was the foundation of his later wealth from conquest. Later she was kidnapped in a raid by the Merkit tribe and Temujin called on his friend and later rival, Jamuka, and his protector, Toghril of the Kereit tribe, for aid. The birth of Borte's first child, Jochi, suspiciously soon after she was freed led to doubt over whose son he was. Accordingly, Jochi and his descendants were never considered for the Mongol succession.