<P> In 1147, the Jin somewhat changed their policy, signing a peace treaty with the Mongols and withdrawing from a score of forts . The Mongols then resumed attacks on the Tatars to avenge the death of their late khan, opening a long period of active hostilities . The Jin and Tatar armies defeated the Mongols in 1161 . </P> <P> During the rise of the Mongol Empire in the 13th century, the usually cold, parched steppes of Central Asia enjoyed their mildest, wettest conditions in more than a millennium . It is thought that as a result, a rapid increase in the number of war horses and other livestock significantly enhanced Mongol military strength . </P> <P> Known during his childhood as Temujin, Genghis Khan was the son of a Mongol chieftain . When he was young he was from one of Yesugis orphaned and deserted families, he rose very rapidly by working with Toghrul Khan of the Kerait . Kurtait was the most powerful Mongol leader during this time and was given the Chinese title "Wang" which means Prince . Temujin went to war with Wang Khan . After Temujin defeated Wang Khan he gave himself the name Genghis Khan . He then enlarged his Mongol state under himself and his kin . Genghis Khan is remembered for his system of laws for the Mongols he called this the Great Yasa . The Great Yasa was regarded by many generations of Mongols ranging all over Asia . He had most of Asia under his control . The Yasa provided necessary powers for taxation, and for all able bodied Mongols to take part in the great hunt to gather meat for the winter months . The term Mongol became used to refer to all Mongolic Speaking tribes under the control of Genghis Khan . His most powerful allies were his father's friend, Khereid chieftain Wang Khan Toghoril, and Temujin's childhood anda (friend) Jamukha of the Jadran clan . With their help, Temujin defeated the Merkit tribe, rescued his wife Börte, and went on to defeat the Naimans and Tatars . </P> <P> Temujin forbade looting of his enemies without permission, and he implemented a policy of sharing spoils with his warriors and their families instead of giving it all to the aristocrats . He thus held the Khan title . These policies brought him into conflict with his uncles, who were also legitimate heirs to the throne; they regarded Temujin not as leader but merely an insolent usurper . This controversy spread to his generals and other associates, and some Mongols who had previously been allies with him broke their allegiance . </P>

When did the mongolian empire start and end