Genghis Khan, originally named Temüjin, served as the first ruler of the Mongol Empire in the early 13th century. He unified the diverse Mongolian tribes and established a vast empire that would become the largest contiguous empire in history. Genghis Khan's innovative military strategies, emphasis on meritocracy, and administrative skills fostered a highly efficient and mobile military force. His reign, beginning in 1206, initiated a period of unprecedented expansion, connecting East and West along the Silk Road and facilitating cultural exchange. Genghis Khan's legacy endures, influencing various aspects of governance, trade, and warfare in subsequent centuries.