Genghis Khan
Genghis Khan (born Temüjin; c. 1162 – August 1227), also known as Chinggis Khan, was the founder and first khan of the Mongol Empire. After spending most of his life uniting the Mongol tribes, he launched a series of military campaigns, conquering large parts of China and Central Asia.
Born between 1155 and 1167 and given the name Temüjin, he was the eldest child of a Mongol chieftain. When Temüjin was eight, his father died and his family was abandoned by its tribe. Reduced to near-poverty, Temüjin killed his older half-brother to secure his familial position. After years of competition with other leaders, he established himself as the sole ruler on the Mongolian steppe. He then went on to conquer many neighboring states and eventually to rule over a vast empire.
Genghis Khan promoted religious freedom throughout his empire. During his reign, virtually every religion found Mongol converts, including Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Daoism, and Manichaeism. Under his administration, all religious leaders were exempt from taxation and from public service.
He was suceeded as khan by his third son Ögedei Khan.
Further reading
Genghis Khan, Wikipedia
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