Genghis Khan, 1st Khagan of the Mongol Empire.

Genghis Khan (1162-1227), born Borjigin Temujin, was the founder, Khan (ruler) and Khagan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. He came to power by uniting many of the nomadic tribes of northeast Asia. After founding the Mongol Empire and being proclaimed 'Genghis Khan', he began the Mongol invasions that would ultimately result in the conquest of most of Eurasia. These included raids or invasions of the Kara-Khitan Khanate, Caucasus, Khwarezmid Empire, Western Xia and Jin dynasties. These campaigns were often accompanied by wholesale massacres of the civilian populations - especially in Khwarezmia. By the end of his life, the Mongol Empire occupied a substantial portion of Central Asia and China. The founder of the Mongolian State, Temujin Genghis Khan, was born in 1162, the black horse year, in Deluunboldog on the bank of river Onon, Hentei Aimag as the eldest son of Yesuhey Baatar and princess Oulun. He assumed the throne in 1206, the red tiger year, and passed away in 1227, the red pig year. The first capital of his empire was in Hudou aral on the Herlen River, present day Avarga Toson. (Photo by: Pictures From History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)