Interesting Facts of Mongolian History | Mongolia Tours of historical places
- Enkhzaya Ganbold
- Apr 7, 2021
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 12
Introduction of Mongolian history | Mongolia tours for history lovers!
This blog is produced for history lovers and travel-addicted people. Mongolia is a landlocked Asian country bordering China and Russia and is known for its vast, rugged expanse and nomadic culture. Down below, we show exciting facts about Mongolian history and offer some unique places for Mongolia tours.

Great Chingiss Khaan | "Tsonjin Boldog" is the first place of Chingiss Khaan's Mongolia tours

Chinggis Khaan, also known as Genghis Khan, was a Mongolian warrior and emperor who lived from 1162 to 1227. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful military commanders in history, having conquered a vast empire that spanned from China to Eastern Europe. Chinggis Khaan was born in Mongolia and grew up as a member of a nomadic tribe. He became a skilled warrior and leader, and through a series of successful military campaigns, he united the Mongol tribes and created a powerful army. Under Chinggis Khaan's leadership, the Mongols conquered large parts of Asia and Europe, including parts of China, Russia, and the Middle East. Chinggis Khaan's military tactics were innovative and effective, and he was known for his ability to inspire loyalty and devotion among his soldiers.
Chinggis Khaan died in 1227, but his empire continued to expand under the leadership of his successors. Today, he is remembered as a legendary figure in Mongolian history and is widely regarded as one of the greatest conquerors of all time.
Genghis Khan could neither read nor write, but he commissioned the creation of a writing system, the Uighur script, which is still mainly used in Inner Mongolia. These include the scripting systems based on them, such as Mongolian Cyrillic and Chinese, as well as a number of other languages. One of the most essential aspects of Mongolia's history and culture is the creation of this writing system. It includes the writings of Genghis Khan (the founder of Mongolia) as well as his sons and daughters and is also the basis for many of the world's languages today.
More about Mongolian Empire | Kharkhorin Mongolia tours
The Mongolian Empire, established by Genghis Khan, successfully united all the tribes of Mongolia and facilitated the emergence of the Mongolian nation and culture. The empire's unification was proclaimed by Genghis Khan in 1206, and it eventually expanded to include the Abbasid caliphate. Notably, the Mongolian Empire was the largest continuous empire in history, spanning from Japan's Sea to the Carpathians.
Despite this significant empire, the modern country of Mongolia only represents a portion of the Mongols' historical homeland. While more than half of the ethnic Mongols live in their ancestral homeland, which is currently Mongolia, only a small number live outside. Inner Mongolia, on the other hand, is a province of China, and its inhabitants are of Mongol ethnic origin.
The rugged and vast region on the border of China and Russia, known as Mongolia throughout history, is renowned for its nomadic culture. The Mongolian Republic, also known as the Mongolian Empire, covered approximately 33 million km2 and an estimated 100 million people during its peak.
Historically, the Mongols were a fragmented group of warring clans until Genghis Khan's unification in the late 12th century. The Mongols subsequently conquered and took over Baghdad in 1258 but eventually retreated to their original steppe homeland under the control of the Manchu dynasty, which separated Mongolia into Inner and Outer Mongolia in the late 17th century.
Genghis Khan's early life and childhood are chronicled in one of the oldest known works about his life, which was written shortly after his death. This work, based on the writings of his great-grandfather, a renowned Mongolian poet and philosopher, describes how he rose to power and created the greatest empire the world has ever seen. Additionally, the most famous epic poem in Mongolian history chronicles the life of Genghis Khan's great-grandfather and has become a vital source of information on Mongolia and its culture.
Update for Mongolian historical facts
Here’s a fresh batch of intriguing facts from Mongolian history to spark your curiosity.
1. The Postal System That Conquered the World
Did you know that the Mongols invented one of the world’s first international postal services? During the height of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, Genghis Khan established the Yam system—a network of relay stations stretching across his vast domain. Horse-mounted couriers could travel up to 200 miles a day, swapping mounts at stations stocked with fresh horses, food, and supplies. This wasn’t just for delivering mail—it ensured rapid communication across an empire that spanned from Eastern Europe to the Pacific. Marco Polo himself marveled at its efficiency, calling it unmatched in his travels. Who knew the Mongols were the original express delivery pioneers?
2. A Female Ruler in a Warrior’s World
While the Mongol Empire is often remembered for its male conquerors, women occasionally stepped into power with remarkable skill. Take Mandukhai Khatun, a queen of the Northern Yuan Dynasty in the late 15th century. After her husband’s death, she took control, uniting fractured Mongol tribes and leading them into battle—sometimes while pregnant! She famously raised an orphaned boy, Dayan Khan, to restore the lineage of Genghis Khan, cementing her legacy as a warrior, strategist, and kingmaker. Mandukhai proves that Mongol history isn’t just a man’s tale.
3. The Mystery of the Moving Capital
Most empires build grand, fixed capitals, but the Mongols? They kept it mobile. During Genghis Khan’s reign, the capital wasn’t a city but a roving encampment called Ordu—a sprawling collection of tents that moved with the seasons and military campaigns. Later, Karakorum emerged as a semi-permanent hub in the 1230s, but even then, it was more a logistical base than a glittering metropolis. This nomadic approach reflected the Mongols’ lifestyle: adaptable, practical, and always on the move. Imagine a capital city that could pack up and relocate overnight!
4. Wrestling, Archery, and Horse Racing: The Original Olympic Spirit
Long before the modern Olympics, Mongols were perfecting their own trio of sports in the Naadam festival, which dates back centuries. Known as the “Three Manly Games,” it features wrestling (no weight classes, just raw skill), archery (open to men and women), and horse racing (with jockeys as young as five riding over grueling distances). Held annually to this day, Naadam isn’t just a competition—it’s a celebration of Mongol endurance and heritage. Think of it as a cultural time capsule, still thriving in 2025.
5. The Secret History of a Secret History
One of the juiciest sources of Mongol lore is The Secret History of the Mongols, a 13th-century text written shortly after Genghis Khan’s death. It’s part biography, part epic, and part family drama—detailing his rise from an outcast to a world-shaking conqueror. But here’s the twist: it was meant to be a private record for the Mongol elite, written in the Mongol script and guarded from outsiders. Only centuries later did it surface in Chinese translations, giving us a rare peek into the minds of the steppe’s greatest rulers. It’s like finding Genghis Khan’s personal diary!
There are several places in Mongolia that are related to Chinggis Khan: You can do your Mongolia tours
Terelj National Park: Located about 50 kilometers east of Ulaanbaatar, Terelj National Park is where Chinggis Khan is said to have hidden his family during times of conflict.
Erdene Zuu Monastery: Located in Kharkhorin, Erdene Zuu Monastery was the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia and was built on the site of Chinggis Khan's former capital.
Orkhon Valley: This valley is located in central Mongolia and is believed to be the site of the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire, Karakorum. Chinggis Khan's palace was said to have been located in this area.
Delgerkhaan Mountain: This mountain is located in the northern Khentii Mountains and is believed to be the birthplace of Chinggis Khan.
Onon-Balj National Park: Located in the northeastern part of Mongolia, Onon-Balj National Park is believed to be the place where Chinggis Khan was elected as the leader of the Mongol tribes.
These are just a few of the many places in Mongolia that are related to Chinggis Khan and his legacy. Many of these places are now popular tourist destinations, allowing visitors to learn more about Mongolia's history and culture.
Why Visit Mongolia with Enza Tours?
For history enthusiasts, Enza Tours LLC offers well-curated tours tailored to explore the rich history of Mongolia. Their personalized itineraries provide you with in-depth historical insights, visiting significant landmarks connected to the Mongolian Empire, Chinggis Khaan, and Mongolian nomadic culture.
Expert Guides: Enza Tours ensures you have knowledgeable guides to enrich your journey with facts and historical context.
Customizable Tours: Choose from various Mongolia history tours, ranging from the Chinggis Khaan statue complex to Karakorum and beyond.
Cultural Immersion: Experience Mongolia’s history firsthand by visiting important sites while also engaging with local nomadic traditions.
For an unforgettable history-filled journey, explore Mongolia with Enza Tours LLC and discover the ancient stories that shaped this magnificent land.
Contact InformationEnza Tours LLC - Mongolia
Room-39, Building-33, 4 Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Chingeltei District, 15141 Ulaanbaatar, MongoliaPhone: (+976) 89112100Email: info@mongoliantour.guide
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