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Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia. Source: Guy Bryant / Adobe Stock

‘Super-Father’: One in 200 Men are Descendants of Genghis Khan

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Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan (1162 – 1227 AD) was not just an infamously ruthless warrior, and founder of the largest contiguous empire in history, but was also a prolific father as well, siring so many children that one in 200 men around the world are reportedly directly descendant from him.

Born with the name “Temujin”, the title “Genghis Khan” was later bestowed upon him by tribal leaders after battle victories. It meant “universal ruler,” and such a title remains fitting, considering his suspected prolific genetic contribution to descendants centuries later.

Genghis Khan on horseback (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Genghis Khan on horseback (CC BY-SA 4.0)

A major genetics study in 2003 showed that as many as 16 million living men were likely direct-line descendants of Genghis Khan. Genetic indicators on their Y-chromosomes suggested they all descended from a single male ‘super father’ from the Mongolian Khan lineage.

Y chromosomes are only passed down from father to son, and these indicators are used to establish a record of male lineage. The study suggested that this consistent, successful spread of patrilineage from father to son was a result of selection, not chance. According to the science journal Nature, the “establishment of such successful lineages often depends on social systems that allow powerful men to father children with multitudes of women.”

Genghis Khan had at least six Mongolian wives and over 500 concubines. The concubines were typically queens or princesses that were taken captive from the territories he conquered or gifted to him by allies, vassals or other tribal acquaintances. Judging by his lineage, it appears Genghis was able to make time for all of them and that these unions were quite productive!

Top image: Genghis Khan Equestrian Statue, Tsonjin Boldog, Mongolia. Source: Guy Bryant / Adobe Stock

By Liz Leafloor

 

Comments

We are the sum of our ancestry..We are the subtraction of that ancestry also.. Genetics 101. Sperm and egg cells are haploid. That means half.. Half of your mom's and half of your Dad's are included in you, and half excluded.
Now I know this is simple, but, half of a half, of a half, of a half, ect. . Doesn't leave very much now, does it ? These geneticists are truly grasping at straws. In livestock husbandry, the additive property of mating, is often over shadowed by the subtractive property. Leading to what is phenotypical ( obvious physical traits) and what is genotypical ( what is present genetically, but not physically expressed) . Humans only reproduce inside family lines as monarchies (generally). As line breeding, and inbreeding are only differentiated by success or failure. That being said, a wise herdsman can improve a genetic line ( or destroy it). Monarchs do not want you to know this, as they think they are superior to us, when in fact they are often diminutive and anemic. The subtractive element. Blessings, don't marry your cousin..

Liz

Liz Leafloor is former Art Director for Ancient Origins Magazine. She has a background as an Editor, Writer, and Graphic Designer. Having worked in news and online media for years, Liz covers exciting and interesting topics like ancient myth, history,... Read More

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