Genghis Khan’s genetic legacy has never been doubted. The question is, how many kids did Genghis Khan have? According to historical records, Khan’s official heirs numbered four through his primary wife Börte. Married to Temujin, later Khan, at age 17, Börte’s original tribe helped cement his political grip. She would later help Khan rule at home. More importantly, she bore him his four official heirs: Jochi, Chagatai, Ögedei, and Tolui. Born between 1182 and 1191, they helped Khan expand the Empire after 1206.
Börte was not Genghis Khan’s only wife- just the important one. Altogether, Khan’s wives numbered six, all Mongolian, who gave them over thirteen children. With his other wives and concubines, he fathered over 120 children.
Evidence of Genghis Khan’s Offspring
There is no doubt Khan had children, possibly into the thousands. His official offspring are known, plus indirect evidence from concubines. Khan also kept a harem, organized into camps called ordos. From here, it’s thought that Genghis Khan could have fathered thousands of children, beyond the official offspring. Evidence must be gleaned from historical records or DNA evidence.
One of the best historical sources is “The Secret History of the Mongols.” Written in the 13th century, this source covers Khan’s reign. The details cover Khan’s four primary sons and mention his daughters. Central Asia and surrounding groups possess oral traditions linking Khan as an ancestor. The Hazara of Afghanistan claim this heritage, given that Mongol clans settled during the invasions.
Oral traditions are valuable but sometimes unreliable, but the Hazara claim Genghis Khan as an ancestor. While pockets of Mongol DNA exist in Afghanistan, doubts remain about the tribe’s lineage.
A 2003 genetic study claims that Khan’s DNA spread across Asia, even to Russia’s southern plains. Utilizing the Y or male chromosome, the study traced Khan’s DNA across the breadth of the former Mongol Empire. The Y chromosome is passed from father to son.
The study’s scientists explain this in distinctive Y chromosomes that spread too rapidly. Originating from Mongolia about 1,000 years ago, the Y chromosome crept into many regions. The study asserts that up to 8% of males in the conquered territories carry Khan’s gene. Or in simple terms, roughly this 8% represents 0.5% of all males worldwide.
However, this study of Genghis Khan’s direct DNA in so many ancestors is under challenge. The biggest is a lack of direct DNA evidence. Khan’s burial location remains unknown, so there can’t be any direct comparison. A 2017 study found different results regarding the Y chromosome. This casts doubts on the one DNA source.
Recent research throws doubt on the 2003 study results. Scientists used a bigger study base, gathering DNA from thousands more across Central Asia. The result? The Y chromosome linked to Genghis Khan appeared 1000 years before Genghis Khan’s empire building. Thus, there is little or no link.
Genghis Khan’s Descendants and Their New Dynasties
Genghis Khan built the Mongol Empire with superior tactics, organization, and blood. He achieved Pax Mongolia, creating a peace that the Romans longed for. His four acknowledged sons expanded into Poland, the Middle East, and China. Besides establishing their khanates, these four rulers left a genetic trail that possibly linked them to their progenitor.
Genghis Khan maintained a harem with many concubines and wives. Ögedei, Jochi, Chagatei, and Tolui kept large harems as per the Mongol custom. Jochi fathered fourteen sons, and his brothers at least eleven more. The idea, however, of Khan fathering thousands himself is a stretch.
Separating Genghis Khan’s DNA Myth from Reality
The common thought today is that Khan had thousands of children, which later spread to millions. There is no doubt his DNA diffused across his empire. However, the source of Genghis Khan’s Y chromosome is likely the larger group of Khan’s descendants. Groups like the Afghan Hazara use their oral history to assert a direct link to Khan. Oral histories are invaluable, but here there’s no confirmed evidence.
Time distorted the question of how many children Genghis Khan had. The Mongols customarily kept large harems. From his various marriages or liaisons, Khan did produce numerous children. The “thousands of children” myth cannot be backed by solid evidence. Genetic studies prove that a Y chromosome linked to his heirs is widespread. Unfortunately, due to a lack of records plus a shaky DNA link, there’s no telling the exact number of children.
