The Mongols lived in the steppes. The steppes are dry, treeless grasslands in Central Asia.

The open space of the steppes allowed the Mongols to become skilled horsemen.

The Mongols developed a nomadic culture.

Perhaps the most famous Mongol in world history was Chinggis (Genghis) Khan.

Chinggis Khan was born in 1162 A.D. and died in 1227 A.D.

Chinggis Khan united the Mongol tribes.

This was a difficult task since the various Mongol tribes frequently fought each other.

Oh, and the word “Khan” means ruler. Yes, Chinggis Khan was a great ruler.

Once Chinggis Khan united the Mongols, he created a body of laws for the Mongols known as the Yassa.

Harsh punishments were given to those who broke the Law.

The great Khan demanded complete loyalty.

He imposed strict discipline on his followers. His soldiers had to be tough and fearless.

The Khan’s soldiers could travel for days on a few grains of rice and a cup of milk.

Once united and disciplined, the Mongols, under Chinggis Khan, set about conquering a vast empire.

Chinggis Khan and his successors conquered an empire that stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Black Sea.

The Mongol army swept over Asia and Europe. In Europe, this army was known as the “Golden Horde”.

At the death of Chinggis Khan, the empire was divided among his sons.

Chinggis Khan changed world history by uniting the Mongols and leading the conquest of a vast empire.