Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World is amazing and surprising!
Jack Weatherford provides an interesting and much more positive account of Genghis Khan’s life and legacy than I would have expected.
Although his name is now erroneously associated with terror and slaughter, he showed surprising restraint during a time when few others in power did. He allowed freedom of religion, encouraged free trade, developed a paper currency, and observed diplomatic immunity. As he encountered new cultures, he adopted or adapted their best practices, and constantly updated his military strategies.
In 25 years, his army amassed a greater empire than the Romans had been able to achieve in 400. Whether judged on population or land area, it was twice as large as that of any other individual in history.
Genghis Khan, alongside Augustus, now tops my list of leaders I truly respect!
Comments (7)
Sain bainuu?!
This year was actually the 800th anniversary of the foundation of the Mongolian empire by Genghis Khan.
Got a Merry Xmas call yesterday from Mongolians I met while traveling there :) apparently they celebrate it there too…
Fabrice, do you have a link? This sounds like a good read.
Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Genghis-Khan-Making-Modern-World/dp/0609809644/sr=1-1/qid=1167238465/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-9582414-5016407?ie=UTF8&s=books
Fabrice Grinda – The one person i would most like to meet! You are very intriguing. I have enjoyed your blogs – very insightful. Have great day!
Uh oh, you better not have incredibly high expectations :)
That said, it can probably be organized. E-mail me next time you drop by New York…
Here are some basic historical facts about Genghis Khan:
Genghis Khan ,(Chinggis Khan), is one of history’s greatest leaders.During his lifetime, he conquered more territory than any other conqueror and established the largest contiguous empire in world history.Today his legacy continues in Asia,Mongols today celebrate him as the founding father of Mongolia….read more
[...] of Genghis Khan and loved every minute of it. I have to admit I am clearly biased: I read and loved Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World and consider Genghis Khan to be one of my role [...]