August 1227Reputable sourceWell documented
The Death of Genghis Khan
On the timeline · around August 1227 ·
What happened
Genghis Khan died in August 1227, aged around 65, while campaigning to crush the Western Xia's final revolt. The cause is unknown — perhaps illness or a fall from his horse. By his wish he was buried in secret; the location of his tomb has never been found. He left the empire to his family, with his third son Ögedei designated as heir.
Why it matters
In a single lifetime Genghis Khan had risen from an abandoned orphan to master of an empire stretching from the Pacific toward the Caspian. His descendants would more than double it, and his legend endures as one of history's most consequential — and most feared — conquerors.
Sources
- World History Encyclopedia. Genghis Khan · Reputable source