Ruthlessness Personified
Any conversation that involves the most ruthless rulers in history would be amiss without the name, Genghis Khan. As he was quoted as saying, “The greatest joy a man can know is to conquer his enemies and drive them before him. To ride their horses and take away their possessions. To see the faces of those who were dear to them bedwed in tears, and to clasp their wives and daughters in his arms. ” (Secret History, n.d.), it is only apt that the joy derived from his ruthlessness fueled Genghis Khan to become the leader of the largest empire in history (Weatherford, 1992).
The Factor of Upbringing
It is no wonder, then, that this ruthlessness was brought up within him since young. Being raised in a tribe-divided Mongolia (Lamb, 1995; Weatherford, 2012), barbaric norms of bloodshed and violence was rife around his community - perhaps, it was even glorified. This is apparent in his birth name, Temujin, whom was named after a foe that was captured by his father shortly before his birth (Secret History, n.d.). Indeed, this name may have served as a premonition to what Temujin would experience for himself in his later life as Genghis Khan.
The barbaric nature of tribal warfare may have led to Khan eventually following the mantra of “Surrender or die”. This was what the Mongol Empire operated on and it left no room for negotiation in its conquests (McLynn, 2016). Indeed, this mantra has sparked countless stories and accounts of Genghis Khan’s ruthlessness that have been highlighted in historic literature and popular memory - tales that recount unfathomable acts of violence and killing of an unprecedented degree. A small taste of this can be seen in his early conquests against the Muslims, where the death toll of which he massacred in a single city was purported to exceed “all the children of Israel” (Weatherford, 2012).
Power and Ruthlessness
As the power of Genghis Khan grew, so did his almost-spiteful displays of ruthlessness. In 1221 CE, in the midst of conquering the city of Nishapur, his son-in-law was killed after its citizens revolted (Weatherford, 2012). Khan, in response, allowed his daughter to decide what kind of revenge should be administered on the city - naturally, death was the only option. Soon, heads of dead citizens were displayed in the city and arranged in three pyramids, one for males, females, and children (Weatherford, 2012). Taking things even further, she ordered all other living animals including dogs and cats to be killed - ensuring that no living being would exist to survive after the death of her husband. (Weatherford, 2012)
Perhaps, the display that most encapsulates the ruthlessness of Genghis Khan’s reign doesn’t deal with mass killing or violence, but rather, a sole, single execution. Genghis Khan’s besiegement on the city of Otrar in 1219 CE was faced with immense resistance as compared to other cities that were besieged by Khan, and the governor Inalchuq was in charge of the garrison tasked with defending the city (Lamb, 1995). Eventually, Khan’s forces took over the city and slaughtered Inalchuq’s army - leaving him to be captured alive. This form of capture may initially seem like a stark contrast to the relentless killing that Khan had advocated for thus far - but they did so to pour molten silver into his eyes and mouth, executing him (Lamb, 1995). This horrific act served as a statement made to teach Inalchuq a lesson for resisting against the Mongol empire (Lamb, 1995).
Reflection of Society
These examples serve as a glimpse into the ruthless nature of Genghis Khan’s reign. It can be argued, however, that this concept of ‘ruthlessness’ may only be understood in recent times, where humanistic rights play a huge role in our societal consciousness. Going back in time, however, the concept of ‘ruthlessness’ didn’t exist - society instead painted a glorified picture of bloodshed and violence as a way to maintain and ascertain power.
References
Primary Source:
Unknown, Secret History of the Mongols, c. est. 1227-1247 BCE, 2015 Western Washington University translation by Igor de Rachewiltz https://cedar.wwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1003&context=cedarbooks
Secondary Source:
Lamb, H. (1995). Genghis Khan: Emperor of all men. New York: Banton Books.
McLynn, F. (2016). Genghis Khan: His conquests, his empire, his legacy. Boston, MA: Da Capo Press, a member of the Perseus Books Group.
Weatherford, J. (2012). Genghis Khan and the making of the modern world. New York: Three Rivers Press
Keyboard accessibility:
Home • About • West Asia • North Africa • Europe • East Asia • South America • Central Asia • Africa
