The earth was fat with the fat of men

"The Earth Was Fat With Human Fat" An upcoming exhibition at Berlin’s James-Simon-Galerie will explore the life and legacy of Genghis Khan, the 13th-century Mongol leader who founded the largest contiguous land empire in history. The exhibit, titled “Genghis Khan and the World of the Mongols,” opens ahead of the 800th anniversary of his death in 2027. It aims to highlight the transformative impact of the Mongol Empire, known as the “Mongol Century” (1250–1350), on global history. According to the exhibition’s organizers, Genghis Khan’s rise to power began in the early 12th century. Born around 1162 as Temujin, he faced hardship after his father, a Mongol chieftain named Yesugei, died when he was still a child. His family was later abandoned by their tribe, forcing Temujin to fend for himself. At a young age, he killed his older half-brother, Bekter, to secure his family’s position within their community. Temujin’s charisma and leadership skills enabled him to unite rival clans and establish dominance over the Mongolian steppes. In 1206, he officially adopted the title of Genghis Khan, meaning “Universal Ruler.” Under his command, the Mongol Empire expanded rapidly, eventually encompassing territories ranging from China and Korea to parts of Eastern Europe and the Middle East. At its height, the empire spanned approximately 24 million square kilometers, or roughly 9.3 million square miles, representing more than 16 percent of the Earth’s total land area. The exhibition will examine both the brutality and innovation associated with Genghis Khan’s reign. While his military campaigns resulted in the deaths of an estimated 40 million people, he also introduced several groundbreaking reforms. These included a merit-based promotion system for military commanders, standardized units of soldiers, and the establishment of a written script for the Mongolian language. This script facilitated the creation of a bureaucratic system, enabling the tracking of populations, taxation, and legal proceedings. Genghis Khan also implemented policies that promoted religious tolerance, allowing individuals to practice their faith freely throughout the empire. Additionally, he introduced a paper currency, simplifying trade and commerce. His administration also ensured the safety of the Silk Road, a vital network of trade routes connecting Asia and Europe, by unifying control over the region and reducing local conflicts and excessive taxation. The exhibition will feature contributions from Matthias Wemhoff, director of the exhibition project and co-author of a forthcoming book on Genghis Khan. According to Wemhoff, the Mongol Empire’s rapid expansion and transformation of global landscapes remain highly relevant today. He notes that Genghis Khan’s influence on world history is profound, suggesting that had he not existed, the trajectory of global events would have been significantly altered. The exhibition will include artifacts, historical documents, and visual representations of the Mongol Empire’s cultural and political achievements. It will run alongside a detailed catalog and a companion book, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of Genghis Khan. The event marks a significant milestone in understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of one of history’s most influential leaders.