Most people view Genghis Khan and the Mongols as brutal barbarians, the ultimate historical example of savage culture and civilization. But is this reputation deserved? Why or why not? To answer this question, use evidence from the life of Genghis Khan, the Mongol Wars, and the ultimate impact of the Mongols on different parts of the world to argue one side or the other of this debate. Finally, discuss some of the reasons why Mongolians have been associated with this stereotype. At birth, Genghis Khan was given the name Temujin, in honor of the Tatar leader captured by his father Yesukhei. He was born in north-central Mongolia around 1162. Genghis Khan was born into the Borjigin tribe, descendants of the Khabul Khan. When Genghis was young, his mother taught him everything about Mongolian society and the need for alliances. By the age of 20, he had built the largest army in world history. The Mongol Empire was the largest empire in the world and the empire lasted long after his death. I believe that although he was an excellent leader, that is why the Mongols gained a reputation for being so brutal and savage. At the age of nine, his father took him to live with his new future wife's family. On the way back, his father quarreled with the Tatar tribesmen, who had invited him to have a meal, but then poisoned him for the transgression he had committed against the Tatar tribe. When Genghis Khan learned of his father's death, he returned to his tribe and took the position of clan leader. The clan did not want such a young boy as their leader and they refused him and abandoned his mother and children, leaving them unprotected. This helped Genghis create the person he... middle of paper ...... old soldiers against the Khwarizm dynasty. The Mongols passed through each town and massacred, the people who were not attacked at the moment were then taken to the front of the Mongol army and were used as human shields. He was merciless, leaving no one alive. Genghis Khan had both the Shah and his son executed, ending the dynasty in 1221. Genghis Khan could show loyalty to those loyal to him, and could also turn against those he considered disloyal or who resisted him. Genghis got very far in life considering his starting point, but he was very cruel. It was a bit ridiculous how he died at the end, falling off his horse. This fearless leader who changed the course of the world died in such a strange way. Well, these are my thoughts on this. Works Cited Weatherford, Jack. Genghis Khan and the creation of the modern world. New York: Crown, 2004. Print.