This book review was written by Eugene Kernes
“At the time of Khan’s birth in 1162, Mongolia was little more than a collection of loosely knit family-based tribes. How this unorganized group of wanderers would be able to turn themselves into the greatest fighting force and later the largest land empire ever known to man remains one of the greatest mysteries of history. In fact, nearly everyone that came in contact with the Mongolian military machine took it for granted at first, underestimating its power.” – Henry Freeman, Mystery of the Steppes, Page 3
“After this was complete, the two were then officially declared husband and wife. Yet as the particularly long-lived nature of the Mongolian grudge would soon demonstrate, the two would not have long to celebrate their honeymoon. Shortly after their marriage, the couple was besieged by distant relatives of Khan’s own mother, who sought a long awaited vengeance for his father’s original abduction of Houlon 18 years previous.” – Henry Freeman, Rites of Passage, Page 11
“Once Genghis Khan had achieved what was previously unthinkable and united all of the warring Mongolian tribes under one banner, he made it official in 1206 when a council was held to distribute his legal code, the Yasa. This code of laws dictated the rules of coexistence for all of his subjects. What had been a fairly lawless society was transformed as he finally set down major legal reform, including new laws such as those that condemned theft and adultery.” – Henry Freeman, United They Stand, Page 20
Is This An Overview?
Genghis Khan unified the Mongolian tribes into an empire. Turning unorganized groups of travelers into a powerful military force. Various states underestimated the Mongolian might under Genghis Khan. A misjudgment with tragic consequences. The power of the Mongolian Empire enabled them to receive tribute from other powerful states, while defending Mongolian interests.
The tribes were united using various strategies, but that
did not prevent tribal recrimination of past deeds. The Khan developed a legal system that
enabled coexistence. Reformed property
rights to become more inclusive and to foster longer term investments. The Khan was bound by a shamanic destiny, but
was able to overcome destiny to forge a path of one’s own.
Caveats?
This is a very short book, which
focuses on some major events in Genghis Khan’s life. That means that many details will be missing,
along with cultural information.
Describing what happened, but with limited explanation to why the events
happened and their interpretation by others.
