Genghis Kahn was a truly powerful ruler who ruled over 11 million square miles. His ruthless policies in combat techniques and government helped him become a successful ruler. Genghis Kahn had no mercy for those who opposed him and managed to unite the Mongol tribes. In 25 years, Genghis Kahn was able to conquer more land than the Romans had in four centuries. Genghis Kahn's youth as well as his tribal life was an extremely difficult period during which he became such a ruthless leader. Genghis Kahn, otherwise known as Temujin by his tribe the Borjigin. Axelrod and Philips state: “When Temujin was eight or nine years old, his father, Yesukai the Strong, a prominent member of the royal clan, was poisoned by the rival taters” (111). Shortly after a rival family took power, Temujin and his mother were banished. Shortly after being chased away, his mother was determined to train him to become a true Mongol warrior. She taught him to hunt and fight on horseback, and to surround himself with a network of trusted men. Temujin was quick ...