The founder of the Mongol Empire was Genghis Khan, originally known as Temüjin. He united the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian plateau and established an empire that became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death. Genghis Khan's historical impact includes facilitating cultural exchanges along the Silk Road and implementing a meritocratic society that promoted talented individuals regardless of their background. His military strategies and governance principles influenced future empires and led to advancements in trade and communication across Eurasia. Despite his reputation for brutality, Genghis Khan's policies contributed to the integration of diverse cultures.