Genghis Khan and his mausoleum
- Source: Global Times
- [04:14 April 25 2011]
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Genghis Khan's mausoleum. Photo: CFP
Genghis Khan (1162-1227) was the founder of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, the largest empire ever established in China, covering a territory from the Caspian Sea to the Sea of Japan. It was said that he was born with a clot of blood in his hand, a sign that he was born to be a hero.
The Mongolian warrior rose to power by uniting the grassland. He became Khan, or the ruler of the Mongol Empire, in 1206. After that, he set out to conquer and expand his territory West and East. Genghis Khan died in 1227 after winning a battle over the Western Xia.
His mausoleum lies in the vast grassland at Ordos, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, covering a total area of 50 square kilometers. The main hall of his mausoleum, which is as high as 26 meters and covers 1.5 square kilometers, is stored with some of his personal items with Khan's statue in the middle of the hall.
On the wall, there is a range of murals reflecting the life story of the emperor and his achievements. Although not his actual grave, the mausoleum welcomes numerous people each year to pay their respects to the emperor.
