Genghis Khan, also known as Temujin, was a Mongolian warrior and ruler who founded the Mongol Empire in 1206. He is considered one of the most successful military commanders in history and his empire eventually stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Black Sea. Temujin was born in 1162 and was declared leader of the Mongols at the age of 20. He then went on to conquer much of Central Asia and China, creating an empire that lasted until the 14th century.