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Headline News
'Conquering the Conqueror'
August 26, 2001
'Is it possible? Has the Tomb of Genghis Kahn been found?'
There are mysteries and then? There are Mysteries! According to two gentleman who have been
researching and studying the life and death of Genghis Kahn, there is a strong possibility that the Tomb containing the remains of the most prolific Conqueror ever known, has been located.
An expedition that began in July 2000, may have finally brought fruit to the explorers searching for the elusive Kahn. This expedition was led by 'John Woods' a History Professor at the University of
Chicago. He was assisted by 'Maury Kravitz' an amateur explorer who has poured 40 years of his life studying Genghis Kahn.
Why is it so vital, finding the remains of this man? To begin with, it is important to understand what Genghis Kahn accomplished, and when he did so. Born in 1165, this boy named 'Temujin' found
himself the son of a Chieftain and living in Mongolia. His father, 'Yisugei' once robbed the members of a rival tribe and not forgiving him for doing so, 'Yisugei' was later poisoned, leaving 'Temujin' at the
age of nine, fatherless.
By the time 'Temujin' was 35, he had become a man of power out of sheer willingness to survive the
harsh land in which he lived. The area is severe in it's climate. Long cold winters, not much in the way of rainfall and therefore, frequent droughts. He was charismatic, intelligent and daring. In the
year 1200, his reputation was well known and his leadership, unquestioned. In the year 1206, his name is changed to 'Genghis Kahn' meaning 'strong ruler' and by the age of 40, his accomplishments
included: Establishment of uniform laws, a written language, and building an army that in essence, united the many tribes in the area. As a result, he was 'Lord and Master' of an area the size of the state of Alaska.
By 1209, Kahn has widened his territory considerably. He and his army travel 600 miles south, into China. They attack Xi Xia, a community of over 5 million people. Kahn's army defeats and for the first
time in control outside of his homeland, Mongolia.
In 1214, several years of fighting in Northern China with the Jin Dynasty results in an all out war by
surrounding the capital known then as Zhongdu (what we know today as Beijing). The Jin Emperor pleads for mercy with Kahn by fattening his bounty with gold, silver, horses and slaves. Kahn is
impressed, and he and his army depart. Unfortunately, the Emperor and his Court flee south. Kahn takes this as a possible regrouping to launch a counterattack and before you can count to three, by
1215, Kahn returns to starve the city of Zhongdu and eventually loots and pillages his way to success.
By the year 1218, Kahn has found his way westward. He tried to make peace with Shah Muhammad
of the Khwarizm Empire located near the Caspian Sea. Mistrust, the murder of one of Kahn's envoys enrages Kahn to the point that all of the Khwarizm Empire is now in the control of Genghis Kahn, two years hence, 1220.
Born in 1165 and now in the year 1226, Kahn's health is in serious decline. The Kingdom of Xi Xia is not cooperating. Kahn is livid and finds a way to subdue his subjects. He is unable to successfully
penetrate the walls of the capital, but that doesn't stop the Great Genghis Kahn! By diverting water from a nearby canal, he floods the city and the residents surrender. He doesn't stop there. Entire
neighboring villages are leveled.
In 1267, at the age of 60, Genghis Kahn finally surrenders, not to his enemies, but to the ravages of
time, lifestyle and age. The exact cause of his death is not known. In fact, Kahn himself ordered the details to be kept in total secrecy. Upon his passing, his grave is not marked, forever leaving those
who followed behind him to wonder and to explore.
That brings us to July 2000. Stop and think!! This man lived in what we know today as Mongolia. He
managed to conquer an area so vast, so difficult to cross, consisting of mountains, deserts in a time when the world was still primitive! Stop and think! Kahn lived to the age of 60! That in itself was a miracle!
Genghis Kahn, the warrior accomplished what was thought to be the impossible. Yes, he destroyed, he murdered. His legend remains however, to be that of a uniter, a man who melted the barriers
between Empires, and ended up with largest land empire, the world has ever known! His military talents, his ability to charm his enemies, his ability to unite people, yes, even while destroying, he found a way to unite!
Now, the possibility exists that we may have conquered the conqueror. On August 16, 2001, a walled burial ground located 200 miles northeast of the Mongolian City where Kahn ruled, has been found.
This part of the world is still primitive in nature. The burial site is very remotely located in a forested area, near the Russian border, a ten hour trek.
To date, 20 unopened tombs have been found. The contents of these tombs could contain the remains and artifacts of the first Imperial Mongols ever discovered. The entire site consists of 40
graves. The area is surrounded by a 2 mile long and 12 foot high wall.
As of this writing, 'John Woods' does not have permission to begin an archeological dig. He has
however, contacted the Mongolian Government. If all proceeds as planned, the first shovels of dirt could begin to unravel the secrets by April 2002.
Nancy, Director of Operations, Editor
Mongolian Tombs Might Hold Genghis -- Discovery Channel -- genghis, khan
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/reu/20010813/genghis.html
Genghis Khan: Trail Head @ nationalgeographic.com
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genghis/trail.html
P.M.A.: Virtual Exhibits - Genghis Khan
http://www.pma.edmonton.ab.ca/vexhibit/genghis/intro.htm