Date: 12 Jun 2026
Topic: History
Codebreakers are a fun way to build numeracy skills.
The Mongolian Empire was the second-biggest empire ever. By landmass, at its peak, it controlled roughly 16% of Earth’s total landmass, making it the biggest contiguous empire to ever exist.
Genghis Khan is arguably the most notable person in human history. Born in 1162 and dying in 1227, he is the progenitor of around half a percent of the world’s population - jumping up to 8 percent for individuals living in the former territory of the Mongol Empire.
When Genghis was born, Mongolian tribes were aristocratic, ruling by bloodline. Genghis instead ruled by merit. When he was young, his father was poisoned and he was enslaved. From nothing, he grew an empire spanning from China to Eastern Europe, starting by dismantling the corrupt aristocracy that had poisoned his people.
His soldiers rode horseback (cavalry) and were terrifying in battle. He preferred to have towns surrender and pay taxes; but if they didn't, he'd slaughter them all so the next town surrendered out of fear.
He created a global mail system with horse relay stations, allowing for effective communication across thousands of kilometers, which was critical for maintaining such a large empire. He also imposed laws that made kidnapping women and stealing cattle illegal.
When he passed, he wanted his tomb to be a secret. Anyone who saw his funeral procession was killed, his horsemen trampled the burial site, and it is said that a river was diverted over his tomb to keep it hidden forever.