19456 - Anthropological Genetic History: The Mongol Empire and Genghis Khan, Part One

Course Overview

Genghis Khan (1162? – August 1227), born Temujin, was the founder and Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his demise. 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 started the Mongol invasions that resulted 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. We will discuss the impact of the Mongol Empire in both Europe and Asia and its legacy both historically and genetically. The connection between modern day Asians and the Mongols will be explored with special attention on Genghis Khan. A short film will be shown that traces the history of the Mongols. We will also explore which DNA markers are most identified with ethnic Mongols.