The historical figure credited with founding the Mongol Empire in the 12th century is Genghis Khan. He united the Mongolian tribes and initiated a series of military campaigns that expanded the empire across Asia and into Europe. His innovative strategies and relentless pursuit of conquest established one of the largest contiguous empires in history, which facilitated trade and communication across vast regions. Genghis Khan's legacy persists in the cultural and historical sentiments of Mongolia and beyond, highlighting themes of unity, innovation, and military prowess.