29. The Mongols Were an Insignificant Tribe Before Genghis
Before Genghis, the Mongols were an obscure tribe, roaming the Steppe north of China. When not fighting neighboring tribes, Mongol clans and factions fought against each other, just as they had done for centuries. Then they were united under a charismatic and capable leader named Temujin. Having united the Mongols, Temujin went about conquering and absorbing neighboring tribes, and forming them into a Mongol nation. He then adopted the title Genghis Khan, or Universal Ruler, and set out to conquer the world.