How Genghis Khan Conquered the World | Digging for the Truth (S3, E2) | Full Episode

Josh Bernstein embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets behind the Mongol Empire's rise to power under Genghis Khan. The narrative explores the military tactics, the scale of the empire, and the cultural impact of the Mongol hordes. Bernstein's quest includes building a ger, horseback archery, and DNA analysis to trace Genghis Khan's genetic legacy. The episode dispels Western myths about the Mongols, highlighting their administrative innovations and the respect they command in modern Mongolia.

The segment delves into the archaeological findings that shed light on the Mongol Empire's royal lineage. Bernstein meets Dr. Tumen Dashtseveg, who discovered ancient graves that potentially link to Genghis Khan. The discussion revolves around the significance of the falcon imagery, the practice of burying nobles with their horses, and the implications these findings have on our understanding of the Mongol's social structure and military strategies.

Bernstein leaves the capital to explore the Mongolian Steppe and its horses, which were crucial to the Mongol Empire's success. With the help of Enkhi Shagdargentev, a local guide, Bernstein experiences the nomadic lifestyle, rides a Mongolian horse, and learns about the importance of horses in Mongolian culture and warfare. The narrative emphasizes the horse's role in the rapid expansion of the Mongol Empire.

Bernstein participates in the nomadic way of life, observing the construction of a traditional ger and the customs that accompany guest hospitality. He experiences the Mongolian diet, which is rich in meat and dairy, and learns about the importance of the horse in Mongolian life. The segment also touches on the administrative and military strategies that allowed the Mongols to conquer vast territories despite their small population.

Bernstein visits the National Museum of Mongolian History to understand the transformation of the Mongols from nomadic hunters to a world-conquering force. He learns about the spiritual beliefs that motivated the Mongols and the administrative reforms that unified them. The segment also covers the Mongols' use of the composite bow and their innovative military tactics, which contributed to their success in battle.

Bernstein experiences the strength and technique required to use a traditional Mongol bow. He meets with archery master Ganbaatar Gombuisuren and learns about the unique features of the Mongol recurve bow. The episode explains how the combination of horsemanship and archery made the Mongols a formidable force. It also discusses Genghis Khan's military organization and the impact of his campaigns on the world.

Bernstein travels to Karakorum, the capital of the Mongol Empire, to understand how the Mongols governed such a vast population. He discusses with Dr. Chris Atwood about the city's structure, its religious diversity, and the administrative innovations that facilitated the empire's growth. The segment also highlights the cultural exchange and the melting pot of ideas that the Mongol Empire fostered.

Bernstein reflects on the legacy of Genghis Khan, from his burial secrets to the fracturing of the empire after his death. He learns about the establishment of Beijing as the new capital and the transformation of Mongolian history. The episode emphasizes the pride Mongolians have in Genghis Khan's legacy and how his influence is still evident in the annual Naadam festival. It concludes with genetic research that traces the widespread descendants of Genghis Khan across the populations of the lands he once conquered.