Genghis Khan was the legendary founder of the Mongol empire and one of the greatest warrior-rulers in history. His armies breached the Great Wall of China and captured Peking. They crushed all resistance in Central Asia, Afghanistan, Persia and Southern Russia by ruthless massacres and pillage. Between 1237 and 1242 they invaded Europe. The speed and scale of their conquests — and the gruesome mounds of skulls they left behind them — have ensured Genghis Khan a place in the popular imagination. Paying particular attention to the Mongol invasion of Europe, this book analyzes how Genghis Khan was able to unite the primitive Mongol tribes of the harsh Siberian steppes and organize them into highly mobile and disciplined squadrons which he used with devastating effect against his opponents.