19. From Temujin to Chinggis Khan
A grand assembly was held in 1206, in which Temujin revealed a vision, endorsed by shamans. He claimed that the heavens had ordained that he rule all under the sky. The Mongols supported that vision, and proclaimed Temujin “Chinggis Khan”, meaning Universal Ruler. Chinggis, also known as Genghis, set out to fulfill his heavenly mandate of ruling all under the sky by transforming the Mongols into a war machine capable of conquering all under the sky. A good judge of men and a great talent spotter, Chinggis created a military meritocracy in which advancement was open to all who proved themselves capable, regardless of their origins. He subjected the hitherto fractious nomadic warriors to strict military discipline that was hard, but not overly harsh or unreasonable. And he drilled and trained them constantly.
