Genghis Khan, originally named Temüjin, was the founder of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history. He united the disparate nomadic tribes of the Mongolian plateau in the early 13th century through a combination of diplomacy, strategic marriages, and military conquests. Genghis Khan's leadership style emphasized merit over noble birth and fostered unity among his people, allowing him to expand the empire rapidly. His conquests across Asia and into Europe facilitated the exchange of goods, culture, and ideas, significantly impacting global history. Genghis Khan is often regarded as one of the most influential figures in shaping world development.