When you see your local "Mongolian Stir Fry" what usually comes to mind? (Besides vegetables) A primitive, annoyingly destructive empire of the ancient times? Genghis Khan, the most ruthless man in history?

Both of these are correct, to some extent. The Mongols were a fearless, nomadic tribe occupying the Chinese steppes, but also excellent horseman warriors, and generals.

In this post I will try to give you the real story of the ancient Mongolians, and the vast empire they developed.

Born to the chieftain of a Mongol tribe named Yesugei, young Temujin, as he was called before he became a khan, was destined to rule. He was born, according to legend, clutching blood, a ancient omen meaning he would be extremely ruthless, fierce, and successful. Little is known about his early life until he turned 13, when he was married to Bortei, the daughter of another Mongol leader.

After this event, history again shrouds young Temujin's life until some time later when his father is killed by the Mongol's archenemy-- the Tatars. He vows revenge against the tribe, and, many years later, in 1183, has united all of the Mongols and defeated their nomadic enemies.

By 1206, the year Temujin was knighted Genghis Khan, or Khan of Khans, the fierce Mongols were ready to take on China. Even though greatly outnumbered, the succeeded in taking the Northern Empire, then focused on the Kwarezm Empire, encompassing present day Afghanistan, Iran, and Turkestan. A group of merchants from the ever-growing Mongolian Empire had been captured and put to death by the Islamic kingdom.

Genghis vowed revenge and immediately attacked the Kwarezm Empire, capturing current leader Shah Mohammed within days. Soon later the army surrendered to the brilliant Khan of Khans.

By Genghis's death in 1227, the Mongol Empire encompassed northern China, present day Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and other small countries east of the Caspian Sea. Refer to the map at the top of my post for more information.

The Mongol's legacy is undisputed: at its height, it was the second largest empire next to the glorious Romans. Even though not that long lived, only 185 years, the empire Genghis Khan created had its many legacies: one, though, in particular. Even though the fierce nomadic warriors pretty much destroyed everything in sight, they valued one thing: religion. The Mongols were all of all different ones, as well: Chrisitianity, Judaism, Islam, and various other polytheistic religions.

All in all, the Mongols were ruthless, yet smart, horseman and warriors born to fight. They had brilliant generals as well, Genghis and his grandson Kublai in particular. Even though their history is not usually tought in our classical addicted history schools, they deserve to be respected.

After all--we wouldn't have mongolian stir fry without them.