As per the Encarta Encyclopedia says that militarily, Genghis Khan was the equivalent of Alexander the Great and Napoleon. It is said that when the Mongol army attacked a city, they would not make any noise. The only sound the citizens heard was that of the horses' hooves of the Mongol cavalry, as it approached the city. It was enough to strike terror in the hearts of the citizens and destroy their morale to fight.
How the Soviets forced the Mongolians to forget Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan was not always a hero in Mongolia. The country was once a satellite state of the Soviet Union. At that time, the Mongolian communists under the influence of Moscow, forbid anyone from even mentioning the name of Genghis Khan, in no less measure because Genghis Khan had burned down Kiev, the center of the Slav civilization.
After the breakup of the Soviet Union, there was an economic crisis in all the former parts of the Soviet Union, including the satellite states that were dependent on the Soviet economy.
At that time, the Mongolians were desperately searching for a redeeming figure who would remind them of their old greatness, someone who they could rally behind. That is when they found Genghis Khan, the world conqueror.
Genghis Khan's real name was Temujin. Genghis Khan is the name he was bestowed by his followers and it means 'Universal Ruler', a fitting tribute to a great ruler. Did you know - Scientists have found that one out of every 200 humans is a descendent of Genghis Khan?
Genghis Khan almost a cult in Mongolia
Genghis Khan is a now a hero in Mongolia and a recurring motif in Mongolian culture. You can find his likeness on everything; from postage stamps, beer bottles, hotels and even banknotes. He is also the subject of numerous films, television series, poetry, novels, short stories, music and video games. There is even an opera in his name at Ulaanbaatar's famed Mongolian Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet.
Mongolia's main international airport is called 'Chinggis Khan International Airport', again named after him. Even neighboring China has recognized him. The Chinese have built a grand mausoleum to Genghis Khan in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia. It was recently renovated at a cost of $20 million.
The leader who gave his people wings
Genghis Khan died in 1227 after conquering half of the known world. A great number of riches were buried with him and after the tomb was closed, a river was diverted over the tomb so that no one would ever know where it was. Genghis Khan has been dead for more than a thousand years now. However, even today he inspires his people and aspires them to achieve greatness.
