Genghis Khan, the legendary founder, and emperor of the Mongol Empire is known for his military prowess and strategic conquests. One of the most intriguing questions about him is: how many children did Genghis Khan have?
According to incomplete historical records, Genghis Khan had 13 children, eight males, and five females. Moreover, a noted state, Genghis Khan, fathered 120 descendants from his numerous wives and concubines.
Börte, his wife, gave birth to nine descendants, four males, and five females. Genghis Khan was a historical figure, and no one knew much about his offspring. However, he had four male descendants with his wife, Börte: Ögedei, Jochi, Chagatai, and Tolui.
These four male descendants are especially notable in history. One of the essential successors of Genghis Khan is Kublai Khan, the male descendant of Tolui. Genghis Khan’s children besides his four famous male descendants and five daughters.
He had four male descendants with different concubines: Wuluchi, Kölgen, Chawuer, and Shuerche. Kölgen was a general, which is a notable achievement. In addition to Genghis Khan’s male children, he had five daughters, but no further information about them.
The Extensive Collection of Wives and Concubines of Genghis Khan
Temujin, Genghis Khan, has many wives and mistresses in his lifetime. He had over 500 wives and mistresses, but not all were documented. Of those documented, we know about 44 wives and mistresses.
He predominantly took these women as prisoners from the diverse societies and countries he had subjugated. That is why Genghis Khan has the highest number of children of any historical figure globally.
Genghis Khan had many marriages, which resulted in him having numerous children. Genghis Khan’s descendants represent about 0.5% of the global male population.
Moreover, his descendants constitute about 8% of the population in Central Asia. The third lineage of his offspring alone boasts 43 grandchildren, demonstrating the scale of his family. Genghis Khan may have had descendants with many more women.
Genghis Khan may have fathered descendants with women in every region he visited. This is because he had little control over his offspring’s mothers and probably did not know the full extent of his family.
His Four Ordos
Genghis Khan’s harem was of massive size, presenting considerable logistical challenges. Therefore Genghis Khan divided his wives into four harems known as “Four Ordos.”
Genghis Khan assigned each of his four primary wives, Börte, Khulan, Yesui, and Yesugen, to manage one of the Four Ordos. Besides, Yesugen brought forth Cha’ur, who unfortunately passed away before adulthood.
Genghis Khan’s wives held various ranks, ranging from Khatun to Queen and Mistress. So, the queens oversaw the households (yurts) of Genghis Khan’s spouses, mistresses, and offspring.
Börte Khatun, the highest-ranking empress, resided in the initial tent among the Ordos. Furthermore, Genghis Khan recognized Börte’s male children as his legitimate heirs due to her superior rank among the queens. However, he was less involved with his other descendants.
Genghis Khan’s Legitimate Offspring
How many children did Genghis Khan have? Despite having many offspring, Genghis Khan’s fertility was average. His five male descendants, including Kuoliejian, alone produced 43 grandchildren for him. Afterward, in 1226, he undertook his final conquer of China. Then on August 18th, 1227, he met his fate.
However, his descendants continued to expand the Mongol Empire, and each of his male descendants established a significant nation. Genghis Khan’s descendants ruled a vast area from China to Russia.
Genghis Khan’s Daughters:
- Alakhai Bekhi
- Checheikhen
- Alaltun
- Tümelün
- Qocin Beki
Genghis Khan’s Sons:
- Jochi
- Chagatai
- Ögedei
- Tolui
- Ulugci
- Chawuer
- Kölgen
- Shuerche
Genghis Khan’s Eight Sons
These four siblings were notable personalities in Mongol Empire and were born to one mother. They were also among Genghis Khan’s most well-known descendants. On the other hand, history mentions Kuoliejian, Wuluchi, Chawuer, and Shuerche less frequently.
They believed Genghis Khan fathered them from different mothers, but three died young. His illegitimate offspring surrounded Chosen Kuoliejian, and he blessed him with four male descendants.
1. Jochi (1182–1227)
Born to Börte, the eldest male descendant of Genghis Khan, Jochi was a notable commander in the Mongol Empire. Besides, Genghis Khan was recognized for his role in conquering the Jin State, Western Xia, and Central Asia.
For that reason, Jochi received territories in the western territory part of the Mongol Empire as part of his Dad’s tribute.
Based on legend, the rival Merkit tribe abducted Börte when she was not pregnant. When Temujin sent soldiers to rescue his wife Börte, she was heavily pregnant. After they rescued Börte, she gave life to Jochi.
Genghis Khan married women from various cultures, indicating he didn’t highly value blood. The reason Genghis Khan named his male descendant born from Börte while she was in captivity “Jochi,” meaning “guest” in Mongolian. He considered any child who called him “daddy” his male descendant.
Of all of Temujin’s male descendants, Jochi was the most accomplished in battle. However, in 1222, Jochi ceased participating in Genghis Khan’s military campaigns.
Jochi, Genghis Khan’s male descendant, passed away at 45 while falling gravely ill during a military mobilization. After Genghis Khan suspected him of plotting to assassinate him.
After Genghis Khan’s Western campaign, Jochi’s descendants created the Jochi Khanate or Golden Horde. Moreover, Jochi’s territories were divided among his descendants, with Orda founding the White Horde and Batu founding the Golden Horde.
He had 14 male descendants, they are:
- Orda
- Batu
- Berke
- Berkhechir
- Shiban
- Tangad
- Teval
- Chilagun
- Sinqur
- Chimbay
- Muhammed
- Udur
- Tuqa-Timur
- Shingum.
2. Chagatai (1183–1242)
The second male descendant of Genghis Khan, Chagatai, also a Börte male descendant, established the Chagatai Khanate (1227-1363). After Genghis Khan’s demise, Chagatai became ruler of Kashgaria and a portion of Transoxania.
Chagatai had a total of seven male descendants, they are:
- Mutukan
- Belgeshi
- Yesü Möngke
- Mochi Yebe
- Sarban
- Baidar
- Baiju
Chagatai inherited overseeing the implementation of Genghis Khan’s legal code, the Yassa, and five modern-day Central Asian nations. Despite having many offspring, he earned high respect as a just and competent ruler for nearly 14 years.
However, after his demise, his grandson, Qara Hülegü, took over his legacy.
3. Ögedei (1186–1241)
Ögedei, born to Börte, was a ruler of the entire Mongol Empire in 1229 AD. He had participated in various conflicts during his father’s ascent to power.
He was the initial “khagan” to refer to himself, meaning “great khan.” Moreover, Ögedei married Töregene and played a significant role in the Mongol invasion of the Khwarazmian Empire.
Ögedei has seven male descendants; they are:
- Güyük
- Koden
- Köchü
- Qarachar
- Qashi
- Kadan
- Melig
Ögedei inherited his father’s mission to spread the Mongol Empire. He led campaigns toward the South. He conquered the Jin Dynasty in North China. Ögedei also dispatched his brother’s male descendant, Batu Khan, to conquer Europe, leading to the establishment of the Golden Horde.
Under his rule, the Mongol Empire expanded to encompass Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and North China. Moreover, in 1271, Kublai Khan recorded Ögedei as “Taizong” in his official records.
4. Tolui (1191–1232)
Mongol culture had a custom that the youngest offspring stay at the central headquarters. This was because they were considered inexperienced in governing their territories.
Tolui was delivered by Börte. He resided alongside his parents. He received his father’s positions, grazing lands, and troops. When Ögedei ascended to the seat of power, Tolui served as his supervisor. Moreover, Kublai Khan was the fourth offspring of Tolui.
Tolui had 11 male descendants, they are:
- Möngke Khan
- Kublai Khan
- Hulagu Khan
- Ariq Böke
- Qutuqtu
- El-Temür
- Jörike
- Möge
- Böchök
- Sögetei
- Sübügetei
Tolui’s male descendant was Kublai. After Tolui’s demise, Kublai granted him the posthumous title of the Chinese emperor. However, Tolui never used this title during his lifespan. Even though he was the male descendant of Genghis Khan, Tolui never assumed the Khagan title himself.
When he was five, his father’s spouse’s sister, Altani, saved him from a Tatar who intended to kill him. Moreover, in 1213, Tolui and his spouse’s brother Chiqu took part in their inaugural skirmish. The combat was waged toward the Jin dynasty. They assaulted the fortifications of Dexing.
Upon his demise in 1227, Genghis Khan appointed his male descendant Ögedei as his heir. Upon his demise, Genghis Khan ordered a troop of 129,000 warriors. Moreover, after Genghis Khan’s demise, his siblings and descendants received around 28,000 troops.
The majority of the troops, over 100,000 soldiers, were given to Tolui. Tolui was Genghis Khan’s youngest male descendant and skilled military strategist. This faction also encompassed the majority of the top-notch Mongol horsemen.
5. Wuluchi (Ulugci)
Wuluchi, or Ulugci, was likely the male descendant of Yesui, one of Genghis Khan’s primary khatuns and a Tatar woman. Besides, as the child of a royal wife of Genghis, Wuluchi held a notable position among his half-siblings.
However, we do not know that Wuluchi served as a commander in the Mongol warrior, unlike his brother Kölgen.
6. Chawuer
Very little is known about Chawuer. However, he was also born to a royal wife who was the queen mother of Genghis Khan. She was one of four queens who managed Genghis Khan’s harems and concubine yurts. Moreover, the queen held the fourth rank among them.
7. Kölgen (Kuoliejian)
Kuoliejian, also known as Kölgen, was born to Khulan. Khulan was the second-highest-ranking queen in Genghis Khan’s harems. She accompanied him on one of his Western campaigns. Besides, as the male descendant of a royal mother, Kuoliejian was not a low-ranking figure.
He held a higher position than Genghis Khan’s other male descendants from his wife Börte. He had four descendants, and the oldest was named Kucha. There are three other offspring whose identities are not known. Kuoliejian was also recognized as Gelejian and Küregen.
8. Shuerche
Shuerche’s maternal lineage is uncertain, but we know that his mother was a part of the Naiman tribe. Genghis Khan defeated the Naimans twice in battle.
The first battle was in 1199. The second battle was in 1203. The result was the end of their last khan. The Naimans were strong adversaries of Genghis Khan.
Genghis Khan’s Five Daughters
Genghis Khan strategically selected prominent figures as allies and married his daughters to them to further his alliance-building efforts. Tümelün married her relative from the same family Chigu.
Chigu was the offspring of Alchi and was brought into the world by Teyin (Dei Seichen). But, we have limited information about Tümelün.
Tulgha, another female descendant of Genghis Khan, is less well-known than his other daughters. Reportedly, Qulan Khatun gave birth to her and was later married to the Qarluq tribe.
1. Alakhai Bekhi (1191–1230)
Alakhai Bekhi was the daughter of Börte. She held a significant position in his reign. Moreover, she served as a regent in the regions of China he captured. In 1206, Genghis Khan betrothed Alakhai to a member of the Ongud clan.
It was done as a gesture of appreciation towards one of his allies, the Ongud tribe. Genghis Khan intended this union to strengthen his ties with the Ongud tribe. The purpose was to help in his expansion further on the Gobi Desert.
Alakhai Bekhi was the daughter of Genghis Khan and Börte from his maiden matrimony. She wielded considerable influence during his reign. She served as a regent over the regions of China he conquered.
The marriage was intended to solidify the alliance and expand his successful invasions outside the Gobi Desert.
The Ongud, one of Genghis Khan’s allies, revolted in 1211, and her spouse was assassinated amidst the rebellion. With the assistance of her dad, Alakhai managed to get away and quell the rebellion.
Later, she wed her stepson Jingue and raised a child named Negudei. Alakhai was known for her traditional values, love for reading, support for education, and interest in religious and medical texts.
After Jingue’s demise, Alakhai wed her stepson, Boyaohe. She arranged marriages between Boyaohe and his descendants with members of the Borjigin Clan to further their political interests.
2. Checheikhen (died c. 1237)
Genghis Khan’s daughter Checheikhen married Torolchi, a progeny of the Oirat chieftain Khudugha Beki. Besides, this marriage took place in 1207. A significant alliance helped establish Mongol dominance across the northern commercial paths.
Additionally, the areas controlled by the control of her sisters became more economically interconnected. Checheikhen played a crucial role in strengthening her family’s political and economic power through marriage.
The statement refers to Checheikhen, a prominent figure in the Oirat lands in the 13th century. Upon her demise in 1237, her brother, Ögedei Khan, became the leader of the Oirat lands.
Unfortunately, people believe that Ögedei Khan committed atrocities toward the Oirat native during his rule. Orghana was among Checheikhen’s offspring, and Oghul Qaimish may have been different.
3. Qocin Beki (Huochenbieji)
We know very little about Qochin Beki, who allegedly was the eldest daughter of Genghis Khan and Borte. However, Butu Küregen married Qochin Beki after his first wife, Temulin, Genghis Khan’s sister, died. People believed that Qochin Beki was the eldest daughter of Genghis Khan and Borte.
The Khongirads were a prominent Mongol tribe in the 1100s, and the Ikires were a sub-tribe of the Khongirads. Moreover, many believe the Khongirad people are descendants of the disappeared Wuku or Wugu natives.
4. Alaltun
One of Genghis Khan’s daughters was Il-Alti, Il-Altun, or Ile Khatun (Qatun), born to an unnamed concubine. Historians dispute the correct name of the daughter, and some believe that the name “Alaltun” is a transcription error.
Il-Alti had eight half-siblings, though only five of them survived into adulthood.
Genghis Khan had promised Il-Alti to the Uyghur chief Barjuk Idi-Qut as a recompense for his obedience and loyalty. Unfortunately, the wedding never materialized because Idi-Qut already had a primary wife, and Il-Alti had already passed away.
Ögedei, a Mongol ruler, promised to give Il-Alti’s hand in marriage to Barjuk Idi-Qut, an Uyghur leader. However, Il-Alti had already passed away before Ögedei could make the offer, rendering the promise unfulfillable.
The demise of Genghis Khan’s wife, Börte, is controversial, and historians have different interpretations of what happened. People dispute Börte’s demise. Supporters of Ögedei claim she poisoned him, while others say her execution violated Genghis Khan’s Yassa.
Historians consider Il-Alti, the daughter of an unnamed concubine, a heroic and prominent figure in Mongol Empire history. Additionally, Il-Alti served as the leader of the Uyghur people during her lifetime.
Conclusion
That’s it. I believe now you know how many children did Genghis Khan have. While there are varying estimates and debates among historians, it is clear that Genghis Khan had a significant number of offspring due to his practice of polygamy and the cultural norms of the time.
His descendants, known as the “Golden Family,” have played influential roles in various regions throughout history, leaving a lasting impact on world events.
Despite the mysteries and controversies surrounding Genghis Khan’s family life, his legendary legacy as a conqueror and founder of the Mongol Empire captivates worldwide, shaping history and leaving a profound mark on human civilization.
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