Part 80

Learn how to effectively play as Genghis Khan in Civilization V, focusing on their unique units, abilities, and historical context for a powerful playthrough.

Alright, let's dive into playing as the Mongols in Civilization V! They're a pretty fun bunch, especially if you like using mounted units. Their unique power gives a nice boost when you're attacking city-states, but remember: go too wild and their protectors might get mad and declare war on you. So, a little diplomacy goes a long way, even when you're being aggressive!

When you play as the Mongols, you'll get the Keshik, a really solid unit that replaces the Knight. But the real star is the Khan, which takes the place of a Great General. This guy is way more effective when you stick him near your attacking units, giving them a nice little buff. So, they're not just for building those defensive Citadels anymore!

A Little History on Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan is a name that echoes through history, both feared and respected. He's the guy who first brought together the warring nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia, forging the largest contiguous empire the world has ever seen. While we often think of him as a conqueror, he also made significant strides in things like infrastructure, trade, and religious tolerance. He wasn't just a warrior; he was a seriously smart leader.

Born Temujin in 1162 AD, he grew up in a Mongol tribe near what's now Ulaanbaatar. His early life was pretty tough, even though he was born into nobility. After his father was killed, his tribe abandoned his family, leaving them in destitution. He eventually married his betrothed at 16 and started his rise to power by becoming a vassal to Toghrul, the Khan of the Kerait tribe.

Things really started moving when Temujin's wife was captured by the Merkit tribe. Toghrul lent him 20,000 men, and Temujin not only rescued his wife but also defeated the Merkits, bringing them under his control. He then became a Khan himself and started conquering other tribes. What's really interesting is that he broke with tradition; instead of just destroying conquered peoples, he created laws – the Yassa – that promised fair pay, outlawed pillaging, and offered protection and religious freedom. This approach earned him a lot of loyalty and really united his growing nation.

By 1206, after a lot of intrigue and battles, he united all the nomadic tribes and was given the name “Genghis Khan,” meaning the eternal ruler of the Mongol peoples. From there, he launched massive military campaigns, conquering the Xia provinces, the Jin Dynasty, and even pushing west towards Persia. He initially tried to form a trade alliance with the Khwarezmian Empire, sending a caravan, but the Shah of Khwarezmia distrusted him and had the caravan slaughtered. This betrayal set the stage for further conflict.