Jack Weatherford: Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire | Lex Fridman Podcast #476

As a Mongolian it's cool to see our history having a whole episode on my favourite podcast! Have been listening to Lex for years since the AI Podcast

This was truly special for me. As someone who grew up as a nomad in Mongolia, his words brought back a flood of memories. The way he talked about the wind, the mountains, and the deep respect Mongolian herders have for nature and rivers felt so authentic. He has a gift for storytelling that made my own childhood come alive again.

I am a Mongolian, thank you so much for making an podcast about the Mongol Empire!

Hi Jack! Jack Weatherford is a wonderful human being. He helped many young Mongolians! When I first tried to come to the US, he helped me pay some of my tuition and gave me so much great advice! Thank you for everything!

This is better than many documentaries. The stories are so vivid, what an amazing interview

Four and a half hours of history about the Mongol Empire!!!! Yes please, I shall partake.

Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep476-sa See below for timestamps, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. 0:00 - Introduction 0:56 - Origin story of Genghis Khan 42:42 - Early battles & conquests 55:23 - Power 57:45 - Secret History 1:11:10 - Mongolian steppe 1:14:27 - Mounted archery and horse-riding 1:22:48 - Genghis Khan's army 1:39:00 - Military tactics and strategy 1:51:24 - Wars of conquest 1:55:48 - Dan Carlin 2:05:49 - Religious freedom 2:21:36 - Trade and the Silk Road 2:30:21 - Weapons innovation 2:31:52 - Kublai Khan and conquering China 3:13:43 - Fall of the Mongol Empire 3:40:38 - Genetic legacy 3:50:32 - Lessons from Genghis Khan 4:00:48 - Human nature 4:03:58 - Visiting Mongolia 4:23:27 - Lex: Dan Carlin 4:26:17 - Lex: Gaza *CONTACT LEX:* *Feedback* - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey *AMA* - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama *Hiring* - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring *Other* - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact *EPISODE LINKS:* Jack's Books: https://amzn.to/3ISziZr Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World: https://amzn.to/4l45LsY The Secret History of the Mongol Queens: https://amzn.to/4l22uud Genghis Khan and the Quest for God: https://amzn.to/4fpOQA4 Emperor of the Seas: Kublai Khan and the Making of China: https://amzn.to/40JEll1 *SPONSORS:* To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: *Allio Capital:* AI-powered investment app that uses global macroeconomic trends. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/allio_capital-ep476-sa *ZocDoc:* App that helps patients find healthcare providers. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/zocdoc-ep476-sa *Fin:* AI agent for customer service. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/fin-ep476-sa *Oracle:* Cloud infrastructure. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/oracle-ep476-sa *Shopify:* Sell stuff online. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/shopify-ep476-sa *MasterClass:* Online classes from world-class experts. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/masterclass-ep476-sa *LMNT:* Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix. Go to https://lexfridman.com/s/lmnt-ep476-sa

How he talked about his wife at the end of the podcast was so beautiful. It made an old man cry.

When I'm not thinking about the Roman empire, I'm thinking about Genghis Khan

Hello, I’m a Mongolian girl, and I’m writing to express my deepest gratitude for this incredible podcast. It was truly an honor to hear our history from you. I was touched and moved by your words. I APPRECIATE IT❤