Well, Was It Kahn or Khan?-- Part 1

From the Feb. 23rd Chicago Tribune "A Genghis we hardly knew" by Steve Johnson.

I always have doubts when it comes to spelling this man's last name, unless I'm looking at it like in this article.  And then, there is always the question of which Khan or Kahn came first, Kublai or Genghis?

I don't know a real lot about each except they were from Mongolia, one invaded China and established an empire, one attacked Japan, and John Wayne makes a sad-looking Mongol.

This article in the Trib shed some light.  A new exhibit opened in Chicago's Field Museum and it shows how "the 13th-century Mongol emperor terrified opponents and won battles; the specialized arrows, some of them whistling, some flaming; the compact horse saddles and stand-up stirrups that allowed for full-range arrow firing; the cunning military strategy, including the 'feigned retreat,' that was really a double-back and reattack."

"That's the Genghis you thought you knew: warrior, plunderer, marauder, enduring symbol of empire by force."

But this exhibit also shows that not only was he a brilliant strategist and fan of new technology, but also an innovator and prudent ruler.  He based his army on merit and loyalty, not bloodlines, conscripted rather than enslaved defeated soldiers, allowed those he defeated to continue with their religions.

Though illiterate himself, he made sure that his feats were written down.

Quite the Guy.  --Cooter