Science/Tech

Genghis Khan Took Advantage of Rain And Climate Change To Take Over Asia

By Kamal Nayan | Update Date: Mar 11, 2014 11:12 AM EDT

The emperor of Mongolia, Genghis Khan who is considered as one of the most notorious characters in the world history, took advantage of dramatic rise in rainfall and mild temperatures while conquering central Asia in the early 13th century, according to a new study. 

Genghis Khan and his generations ruled most of the modern-day Russia, China, Korea, Southeast Asia, Persia, and parts of Eastern Europe, accounting to largest land empire in the world history.

"What makes our new record distinctive is that we can see 15 straight years of above-average moisture," said the study's lead author, Neil Pedersen, a tree-ring scientist with the Lamond-Doherty Earth Observatory, according to National Geographic. "It falls during an important period in Mongol history and is singular in terms of persistently wet conditions."

Horsepower was one factor that took leverage of additional rain and unusually wild weather. The abundant grasses provided the fuel for the horses enabling them to conquer vast land. It also acted as a way of livestock fed by the bounty.

Genghis Khan's rise to power is expected to be between 1211 and 1225 A.D. and during that time Mongolia saw sustained rainfall and mild warmth never seen before, reported USA Today.

"The transition from extreme drought to extreme moisture strongly suggests that climate played a role in human events," said tree-ring scientist Amy Hessl of the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, according to National Geographic. "It wasn't the only thing, but it must have created the ideal conditions for a charismatic leader to emerge out of the chaos, develop an army, and concentrate power. Where it's arid, unusual moisture creates unusual plant productivity, and that translates into horsepower-literally. Genghis was able ride that wave."

The study has been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

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