The famous ruler of the Mongol Empire known for his military conquests was Genghis Khan. Born as Temujin in the late 12th century, he united the nomadic tribes of the Mongolian plateau and founded the Mongol Empire, which would become the largest contiguous empire in history. Through brilliant military strategies, Genghis Khan expanded the empire across much of Asia and into Europe, demonstrating exceptional organizational and leadership skills. His conquests facilitated trade and cultural exchange along the Silk Road, contributing to the spread of ideas and innovations across his vast empire.