Death of Genghis Khan

Meeting with a revered Taoist monk, in 1222, Genghis Khan unsuccessfully requested an elixir to prolong his life. Of course, no such thing was available.

Legend records the great Khan’s last words: "I have conquered a large empire but my life is too short to take the whole world. That I leave to you." He appointed his son to carry on, and his successors ultimately doubled the size of his empire. But in 1242, as the Mongolians reached Europe, they were defeated.

Today, the much-searched-for tomb of Genghis Khan remains undiscovered. He was the most successful military commander the world has ever known.

The video clip is from the BBC's Genghis Khan. It is based on a written history composed soon after the great ruler's death.