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NARRATOR: The Mongolian empire,
swept across continents,
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unmatched in power, changing
the course of history forever.
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PROF SNEATH: It was a dynasty
that conquered much of Eurasia
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NARRATOR: At its heart was
a man once known as Genghis,
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but now honored with his true
historical name, Chinggis Khan.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: His name
was translated in many
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different ways in many
different countries,
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but Mongolians call
him Chinggis Khan.
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NARRATOR: He was a warrior,
a strategist, a visionary.
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He united the rival houses
on the vast Mongolian steppe
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into one great and
powerful nation.
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DR MAY: The world
changed with his actions.
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It could not go back to the way
it was before Chinggis Khan.
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NARRATOR: He crushed every
empire that dared stand
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in his path.
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DR MAY: He conquered more
territory than any other
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single ruler in history.
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NARRATOR: Historians once
painted him as a savage
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barbarian, but a new
translation of an ancient
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text unveils the real story
of Chinggis Khan's life
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and legacy.
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PROF SNEATH: We know Chinggis
Khan was of a royal house,
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a general who is worshiped
something crossed between
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Napoleon and Jesus.
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NARRATOR: But it was
under the rule of his son,
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Ogodei Khan that the empire
expanded further sweeping
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from the shores of the Pacific
to the deserts of Persia.
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This is the story of
the powerful rulers
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who built the
Mongolian empire.
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The vast and desolate
Mongolian plains
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are home to nomadic rulers,
whose people thrive
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in these barren lands,
moving over distant pastures
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to sustain their
families and herds.
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These people are
skilled horse riders,
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expert archers and masters
of this unique landscape
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known as the steppes.
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{\an8}PROF SNEATH: So, the steppe
lands is an enormous belt
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{\an8}of grassland that runs all
the way from the Manchurian
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forests right across
the Eurasian continent,
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as far as the Hungarian
plains in the West.
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The steppe lands of what is
now Mongolia were divided
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between different dynasties.
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In the central part, there was
the Kingdom of the Kerait.
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To the west, there's another
well-established dynasty,
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the Naiman. And these
two kingdoms,
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they'd been around
for generations.
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And then in the south and the
east, was the Jin Dynasty,
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part of northern
China and Manchuria.
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And in this eastern
Mongolian area,
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there were a lot of different
warlords and smaller petty
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dynasties and
smaller petty rulers.
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So this was a kind of
borderland between
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great powers and
for 1000s of years,
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steppe empires have emerged
in this environment.
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The lifestyle of these
aristocrats at the time
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would have been different from
their equivalents in Europe
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or China, but recognizably
elite, they would have lived
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in these large,
mobile structures,
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almost like small palaces,
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and that's where the
noble class lived.
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All around them, their
subjects would be in smaller,
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much more humble dwellings,
herding livestock.
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{\an8}DR MAY: In nomadic society
life was difficult,
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{\an8}and as you're traveling
across the steppe,
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you will have to spread out.
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Nomads do not just
simply wander around.
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They know where
they're going.
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They have seasonal
migrations to pastures.
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In the summer, they might
go into the highlands,
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where it's going to be cooler,
or they'll go to different
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pastures depending
on the environment
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and the conditions.
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PROF SNEATH: They
hunted a lot.
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That was a leisure activity,
but also it could be used
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to actually produce a
large amount of meat.
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And the subjects would be
delivering all sorts of
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produce to the nobles,
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including a lot
of milk products.
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DR MAY: Animals are not
only your livelihood;
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they're also your wealth.
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PROF SNEATH: And although it
looked exotic and different
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to visitors, it was actually
a very sophisticated system
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of movement, which allowed
the rulers of the steppes
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quite a lot of options.
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{\an8}MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Nomadic
families followed one leader
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{\an8}at one time. Tribes don't
have to be one ethnic group.
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{\an8}It can be several families,
several ethnic groups,
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but they would
follow one leader.
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NARRATOR: Generations earlier,
the great Mongolian ruler
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Kabhul Khan briefly united the
most powerful nomadic factions
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under his leadership.
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PROF SNEATH: Kabhul Khan ruled
the earlier Mongolian kingdom
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called Khamag Mongol.
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That means all of the Mongols,
a whole bunch of disparate
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noble families united just
as a single category,
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which was almost certainly
in the area of what is now
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eastern Mongolia.
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NARRATOR: Years later,
his grandson Yesugei,
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leads one of the noble
families thriving
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on the eastern edge of
the Mongolian steppes.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Yesugei
Ba-atur was a good warrior,
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led about maybe hundreds
of some families.
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PROF SNEATH: He is described
himself as a Khan.
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That means as a king.
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NARRATOR: Although Yesugei
commands the loyalty
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of many of his
grandfather's subjects,
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he knows that to continue his
legacy and secure his dynasty,
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he requires an heir.
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1162, Yesugei's wife
H�'el�n, gives birth
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to their first child and
heir to the kingdom.
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The boy will be called
Temujin, a name taken
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from a rival leader captured
in a recent battle.
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{\an8}BULAG: He was stealing the
enemy's name for his son.
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To commemorate this event,
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this is not unique
to Mongolia.
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Stealing somebody's name for
yourself is a widespread
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sort of practice.
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That name was indicative
of his conquest.
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He was celebrating his
achievement through that.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: The
name means pursuer,
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somebody who has
vision and goal.
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And when he was born, he
was holding a blood clot
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in his right fist.
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BULAG: The clot of blood in
his hand when he was born
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was an indication of
brutality killing.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Sometimes it
would symbolize he was such
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a strong person and
he was God given,
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and he had different power.
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NARRATOR: In years
to come, this child,
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Temujin will be known
as Chinggis Khan.
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His extraordinary life is
documented in a mysterious
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text written in the
decades after his death.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Chinggis
Khan is described
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from the beginning till his
end of his life in this book,
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the Secret History
of the Mongols.
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{\an8}JOHN: The Secret History of
the Mongols is the only
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{\an8}document in Mongolian
that tells the rise
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of Chinggis Khan to supreme
authority in Mongolia.
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The Secret History was
lost for a long time.
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It was lost in Mongolian,
but preserved in Chinese.
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Chinese scholars,
Mongolian scholars,
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and then English scholars
have worked extremely hard
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reconstructing the
original middle Mongolian.
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This translation makes
it literate in a way
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that it had not been before.
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It makes readable what is
actually extremely difficult,
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a collection of
stories that were,
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common in Mongolia at the
time in the mid-13th century.
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It tells incidents that are
crucial to understanding
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Chinggis background
and his psychology.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: One story is
about Chinggis Khan himself
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and his family, and the
other half is how Chinggis
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built Mongolia as a country.
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It's a very poetic
book to read.
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Secret History is now
considered not only
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literature, but also
Mongolia's first ever
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00:10:32,120 --> 00:10:35,280
historic documentation of
the founding of the country.
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NARRATOR: Historians once
painted Chinggis Khan
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as a savage barbarian,
ruthless in his quest
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to conquer the world, but
in The Secret History
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of the Mongols, he is revealed
to be an exiled Prince,
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a sophisticated leader
and a military tactician,
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unveiling how a nomadic boy
born on the Mongolian steppes
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becomes one of the
greatest rulers
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the world has ever known.
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Temujin is nine years old, and
his father sets out with him
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to find a bride, a wife from
a powerful noble house
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will strengthen
their dynasty.
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Tem�jin's mother was from
a prestigious family
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who had long provided wives
for Mongol rulers.
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They ride towards her homeland
in search of the perfect match.
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Before they reach
their destination,
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they are stopped by a senior
Noble who tells them
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of a premonition he
had the night before.
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{\an8}MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: The man says,
I saw a magic dream last night.
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The white Falcon came on to me
holding sun in the one hand
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and the moon in the other hand,
and that was sitting on me,
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your son has fire
in his eyes.
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I have a girl, and she
had also fire in her eyes.
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Maybe it might work.
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NARRATOR: They accept the
leader's offer and go
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to meet his daughter.
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This girl will one day
stand by Temujin's side
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as his powerful wife.
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Her name is B�rte.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: That moment
changes Temujin's life totally.
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PROF SNEATH: His father ends
up making this betrothal
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as a sort of
alliance in waiting.
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JOHN: Marriage was always a
political objective and very
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00:13:05,120 --> 00:13:09,160
{\an8}useful as a way of finding
loyalties in this world,
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{\an8}which was a feuding world.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: B�rte was
one year older than Temujin.
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JOHN: And the two
were betrothed.
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PROF SNEATH: They know that
later, when their children
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00:13:29,120 --> 00:13:32,119
{\an8}grow up, this will form a
powerful marriage alliance
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{\an8}between their two houses.
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MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Then Yesugei
decided to leave Temujin
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00:13:39,240 --> 00:13:45,880
at B�rte place and
went back by himself.
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DR MAY: For Yesugei he was
traveling back to his own camp.
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00:13:50,840 --> 00:13:54,600
He stopped at a Tartar camp.
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The Tartars were enemies
of the Mongols,
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and they recognized him.
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PROF SNEATH: On the steppe,
for those of the aristocratic
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00:14:02,640 --> 00:14:06,080
class, they were always engaged
with hosting each other,
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00:14:06,160 --> 00:14:09,200
there was a good deal
of civility as well as
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00:14:09,280 --> 00:14:11,840
occasional hostility.
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00:14:11,841 --> 00:14:15,759
DR MAY: There are these customs
that exist to help normalize
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00:14:15,760 --> 00:14:21,640
{\an8}society, even in times of
hostile relations to allow
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00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:26,720
{\an8}societies to function on the
steppe and as you're traveling
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00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:30,400
across the steppe, if
you came to a camp,
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00:14:30,480 --> 00:14:32,800
hospitality was given.
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00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:36,160
If you violated
the hospitality,
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00:14:36,240 --> 00:14:39,320
then this could lead
to other issues.
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00:14:39,400 --> 00:14:42,440
PROF SNEATH: Yesugei Ba-atur
didn't realize the depths
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00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:46,120
of the animosity that these
particular Tartar noblemen
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must have held for him.
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00:14:49,280 --> 00:14:52,400
JOHN: The relationship was
a combination of feuding
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00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:54,440
and friendship.
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PROF SNEATH: They
seemed friendly.
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00:14:59,080 --> 00:15:02,320
And he is poisoned
by the Tartars.
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00:15:06,520 --> 00:15:07,910
DR MAY: He began
to feel ill.
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00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:16,370
PROF SNEATH: Getting sicker and
sicker on the way back home.
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00:15:18,720 --> 00:15:21,080
DR MAY: By the time he
reached his own camp,
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00:15:21,640 --> 00:15:24,120
he was extremely sick.
225
00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:27,640
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: He told one of
his followers, bring my son,
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00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:34,280
Temujin back, because Tartar
just poisoned me and I'm dying.
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00:15:34,880 --> 00:15:39,240
NARRATOR: Temujin races across
the steppe towards his home,
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00:15:39,360 --> 00:15:41,120
but he is too late.
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00:15:41,480 --> 00:15:45,200
His father, Yesugei has
succumbed to the Tartars
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00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:47,120
lethal poison.
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00:15:47,200 --> 00:15:51,200
His followers left without the
protection of a strong leader,
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00:15:51,280 --> 00:15:55,040
abandoned their kingdom
in search of a new ruler.
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00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,570
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: As soon
as Temujin's father died,
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00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:04,760
the entire structure of
the tribe had to change.
235
00:16:04,840 --> 00:16:07,880
Somebody should lead
immediately after him,
236
00:16:07,960 --> 00:16:12,680
or his tribe was
about to dissolve.
237
00:16:12,840 --> 00:16:14,920
Temujin was too young.
238
00:16:15,400 --> 00:16:19,160
Those days, women didn't lead,
so H�'el�n couldn't lead
239
00:16:19,240 --> 00:16:22,480
the tribe, so there was
nobody who would inherit
240
00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:25,360
the leadership of the tribe.
241
00:16:25,520 --> 00:16:30,840
When the followers left,
H�'el�n probably saw
242
00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:36,040
the hard hard reality that
suddenly there is no sheep,
243
00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:42,040
no horses, only
they were left.
244
00:16:46,040 --> 00:16:49,640
NARRATOR: The young Temujin,
born a noble prince,
245
00:16:49,720 --> 00:16:53,360
is now reduced to poverty.
246
00:16:53,440 --> 00:16:55,960
His family must fight for
survival on the harsh
247
00:16:56,280 --> 00:17:01,800
Mongolian steppe, but
rival leaders keep watch.
248
00:17:02,760 --> 00:17:06,720
Temujin's very existence
is a threat to their power.
249
00:17:12,711 --> 00:17:16,479
PROF SNEATH: On the
death of his father,
250
00:17:16,480 --> 00:17:21,320
Temujin kingdom
seems to dissolve.
251
00:17:21,600 --> 00:17:25,920
They lost probably
1000s of their subjects,
252
00:17:26,000 --> 00:17:31,440
with all of their livestock,
hundreds of 1000s of animals,
253
00:17:31,640 --> 00:17:35,000
{\an8}but almost certainly, they
would have had some things.
254
00:17:35,080 --> 00:17:38,920
They certainly had horses
with just a dozen servants,
255
00:17:39,080 --> 00:17:43,680
or something very minimal, but
it would have been terribly
256
00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:47,120
poor and harsh in comparison
to what the family
257
00:17:47,200 --> 00:17:49,440
would have been used to.
258
00:17:49,441 --> 00:17:51,279
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Especially
during winter time,
259
00:17:51,280 --> 00:17:56,760
it should be very isolated,
quite deprived, quite lonely.
260
00:17:56,880 --> 00:17:59,920
{\an8}It's nine months of
cold season, you know,
261
00:18:00,000 --> 00:18:03,800
and there should be lots of
endurance needed to survive
262
00:18:03,880 --> 00:18:05,400
in that land.
263
00:18:05,480 --> 00:18:08,720
{\an8}JOHN: They survived,
therefore, on their own,
264
00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:13,000
it's a few tents, a very
small group of people
265
00:18:13,080 --> 00:18:15,920
who were really under
the authority
266
00:18:16,000 --> 00:18:18,840
of Temujin's his mother.
267
00:18:18,841 --> 00:18:20,959
PROF SNEATH: This is
absolutely characteristic
268
00:18:20,960 --> 00:18:22,560
of Temujin's mother.
269
00:18:22,720 --> 00:18:27,440
She was clearly enormously
powerful, strong-willed.
270
00:18:27,520 --> 00:18:30,760
Temujin's mother did gather
berries and fruits
271
00:18:31,080 --> 00:18:34,360
and go fishing
and go hunting.
272
00:18:34,440 --> 00:18:36,670
JOHN: His mother proved
extremely strong,
273
00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:38,630
managed to hold the
family together.
274
00:18:38,631 --> 00:18:42,319
PROF SNEATH: The whole
family wouldn't have
275
00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:44,280
survived without her.
276
00:18:44,731 --> 00:18:49,519
NARRATOR: The family
struggles for several years
277
00:18:49,520 --> 00:18:53,640
in the unforgiving landscape.
278
00:18:53,720 --> 00:18:57,520
As Temujin and his brothers
grow older and mature,
279
00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:02,360
they learn to hunt and catch
fish to support their mother.
280
00:19:02,440 --> 00:19:05,840
{\an8}DR DASHDONDOG: Bringing a
child in a steppe environment
281
00:19:05,920 --> 00:19:12,920
{\an8}means he learns all these
survival instincts,
282
00:19:13,080 --> 00:19:15,610
and they were trained from
the childhood archery
283
00:19:15,760 --> 00:19:20,680
and being good warriors
on horseback.
284
00:19:20,880 --> 00:19:23,720
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: So, when
boys started growing up,
285
00:19:23,840 --> 00:19:26,550
they started hunting and
they started bringing food
286
00:19:26,600 --> 00:19:29,800
to the family.
287
00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:35,040
So who brings fish?
Who brings birds, etc?
288
00:19:35,120 --> 00:19:37,920
That's how they
probably were ranked.
289
00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:43,120
NARRATOR: After years of
abandonment and isolation,
290
00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:46,200
tensions grow between
Temujin and his older,
291
00:19:46,280 --> 00:19:49,320
half-brother Bekter.
292
00:19:49,400 --> 00:19:52,400
PROF SNEATH: Temujin and
his brother Qasar quarrel
293
00:19:52,480 --> 00:19:56,480
with the half-brothers, the
sons of a secondary wife
294
00:19:56,560 --> 00:19:58,840
of their dead father.
295
00:19:58,920 --> 00:20:02,920
The two sets of boys quarrel
over, apparently a fish.
296
00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:12,450
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Bekter
and Tem�jin were probably
297
00:20:12,560 --> 00:20:16,040
fighting for power.
298
00:20:16,120 --> 00:20:19,120
JOHN: Young Temujin and his
brother went to his mother
299
00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:20,320
and complained.
300
00:20:22,800 --> 00:20:26,920
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA:
But she ignored it.
301
00:20:27,040 --> 00:20:30,320
PROF SNEATH: The reaction of
Temujin is really striking.
302
00:20:34,840 --> 00:20:37,840
They get their bows.
303
00:20:37,920 --> 00:20:41,120
Qasar, one of Temjin's
brothers, comes up
304
00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:44,720
from the front and
approaches Bekter
305
00:20:44,880 --> 00:20:48,400
who's on the top
of a hill.
306
00:20:48,560 --> 00:20:51,680
Temujin, meanwhile, is
sneaking up from behind,
307
00:20:51,760 --> 00:20:53,360
and when he sees him coming,
308
00:20:53,680 --> 00:20:55,550
he realizes what
they're going to do.
309
00:20:57,520 --> 00:20:59,920
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: And
Bekter told them,
310
00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:03,080
if you want to kill,
just kill me.
311
00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:06,200
Don't kill my brother,
Belgutei.
312
00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:09,840
Leave descendants
from my family.
313
00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:12,210
JOHN: And that's precisely
what happened.
314
00:21:12,280 --> 00:21:15,320
He was shot in a
most cowardly way,
315
00:21:15,321 --> 00:21:17,319
PROF SNEATH: Surrounding
this poor half-brother
316
00:21:17,320 --> 00:21:20,600
and shooting him in the
back as well as the front.
317
00:21:23,520 --> 00:21:26,720
JOHN: And died.
318
00:21:27,320 --> 00:21:32,400
{\an8}BULAG: His elder
brother was domineering.
319
00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:38,280
{\an8}He was very powerful, and
therefore he was a challenge
320
00:21:38,360 --> 00:21:41,160
{\an8}to his authority, so
had to be killed.
321
00:21:42,911 --> 00:21:47,399
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: The fact
that Temujin shot from
322
00:21:47,400 --> 00:21:53,400
the back shows that he
was quite manipulative.
323
00:21:53,560 --> 00:21:59,520
That was a tragic and
dark family secret,
324
00:21:59,680 --> 00:22:03,640
that was the secret of the
Secret History, I think.
325
00:22:03,720 --> 00:22:06,640
PROF SNEATH: The shadowy
side of Temujin is woven
326
00:22:06,720 --> 00:22:10,560
into the fabric of
the Secret History,
327
00:22:10,561 --> 00:22:12,799
and that's one of the
fascinating features
328
00:22:12,800 --> 00:22:15,000
of the work. It's included
329
00:22:15,080 --> 00:22:17,880
lots of incidents
that got edited out
330
00:22:17,960 --> 00:22:20,880
of some of the other
historical materials,
331
00:22:20,960 --> 00:22:24,720
all sorts of really
rather shameful events,
332
00:22:24,800 --> 00:22:28,240
particularly in the early
part of his career.
333
00:22:28,320 --> 00:22:31,280
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: This is
written to tell the lessons
334
00:22:31,360 --> 00:22:34,920
of the past mistakes
and past achievements
335
00:22:35,000 --> 00:22:40,160
to the next generations,
containing the life lesson,
336
00:22:40,240 --> 00:22:43,560
containing the family lesson
to the next generation,
337
00:22:43,840 --> 00:22:48,080
in order not to be
repeated or not to forget.
338
00:22:48,280 --> 00:22:50,150
JOHN: To show that
this is precisely
339
00:22:50,200 --> 00:22:52,080
how you do not behave.
340
00:22:52,520 --> 00:22:55,400
If you're trying
to create loyalty,
341
00:22:55,680 --> 00:22:58,400
you don't kill your
own brother.
342
00:23:00,560 --> 00:23:03,240
NARRATOR: When Temujin's
mother H�'el�n learns
343
00:23:03,320 --> 00:23:07,240
of Bekter's death,
she is distraught.
344
00:23:07,320 --> 00:23:10,320
She confronts Temujin,
questioning how he could
345
00:23:10,400 --> 00:23:12,520
turn against his own brother.
346
00:23:13,480 --> 00:23:16,010
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: H�'el�n
said, always be united
347
00:23:16,320 --> 00:23:18,880
and always be peaceful
among each other,
348
00:23:18,960 --> 00:23:24,000
because there is no one
but us in this world.
349
00:23:24,080 --> 00:23:28,640
We don't have any friends
except our shadows.
350
00:23:28,720 --> 00:23:32,080
When you don't have any
friends except our shadows,
351
00:23:32,160 --> 00:23:36,000
you should be friends
with each other.
352
00:23:36,120 --> 00:23:38,800
NARRATOR: Temujin's hunger
for power has ended
353
00:23:38,880 --> 00:23:40,920
his brother's life.
354
00:23:41,000 --> 00:23:45,240
News of the murder
reaches a rival nobleman
355
00:23:45,360 --> 00:23:49,200
who was once part of
his father's kingdom.
356
00:23:49,280 --> 00:23:53,880
He believes Temujin growing
ambition must be stopped.
357
00:23:55,440 --> 00:23:57,850
PROF SNEATH: The nobleman
realizes these kids
358
00:23:57,920 --> 00:23:59,720
are now growing up.
359
00:24:00,040 --> 00:24:05,920
So, when he hears news of the
killing, he decides to act.
360
00:24:06,000 --> 00:24:10,640
The nobleman arrives
with his day guards.
361
00:24:11,040 --> 00:24:14,050
Now the day guards were sort
of like the personal bodyguard
362
00:24:14,080 --> 00:24:16,960
or police force, if you
like, of the time
363
00:24:18,800 --> 00:24:22,720
the nobleman's guards shout
they just want Temujin.
364
00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:25,240
And Temujin flees away.
365
00:24:26,800 --> 00:24:29,880
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Temujin
hid for nine days.
366
00:24:30,120 --> 00:24:34,080
PROF SNEATH: Time passes,
he's got nothing to eat.
367
00:24:34,520 --> 00:24:37,120
He eventually decides,
better than starving.
368
00:24:37,360 --> 00:24:38,640
I just go out.
369
00:24:38,880 --> 00:24:41,400
And that's when they
finally arrest him
370
00:24:44,120 --> 00:24:46,200
and take him away
to punish him.
371
00:24:57,720 --> 00:25:00,560
NARRATOR: Temujin is held
captive, watched over
372
00:25:01,040 --> 00:25:03,960
by his rivals,
the Tayichiud.
373
00:25:03,961 --> 00:25:05,479
PROF SNEATH: They
don't kill him.
374
00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:07,080
He's still of royal rank.
375
00:25:07,360 --> 00:25:10,790
{\an8}Even a senior nobleman doesn't
just kill somebody outright
376
00:25:10,840 --> 00:25:14,440
{\an8}when they're descended from
one of the most famous Khans
377
00:25:14,520 --> 00:25:16,320
of the region.
378
00:25:16,840 --> 00:25:22,480
Instead, he's punished by
being forced to wear a Cangue,
379
00:25:22,560 --> 00:25:25,720
wooden yoke or collar.
380
00:25:25,800 --> 00:25:29,560
It's really unpleasant.
You can't feed yourself.
381
00:25:29,640 --> 00:25:33,520
You can't lie down properly
when you're wearing this thing.
382
00:25:33,640 --> 00:25:36,920
The Tayichiud that is the ruling
house who've captured him,
383
00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:40,440
took the opportunity
to humiliate him.
384
00:25:40,520 --> 00:25:43,520
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: So,
when he was arrested,
385
00:25:43,521 --> 00:25:46,439
{\an8}Tayichiud was hoping that
from this humiliation
386
00:25:46,440 --> 00:25:49,960
{\an8}he will not come out
as leader in future.
387
00:25:50,040 --> 00:25:53,360
Everybody saw his
humiliation.
388
00:25:53,480 --> 00:25:56,440
That's what they're
calculating on, you know?
389
00:25:56,600 --> 00:26:01,120
So The Ruler was sealing his
own leadership by belittling
390
00:26:01,200 --> 00:26:03,120
Chinggis that way.
391
00:26:05,360 --> 00:26:08,320
PROF SNEATH: And so Temujin
was then rotated between
392
00:26:08,440 --> 00:26:11,120
the houses of the subjects
of the noblemen spending
393
00:26:11,200 --> 00:26:15,320
a day in each one,
wearing his Kang.
394
00:26:15,321 --> 00:26:18,639
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Every family,
When he's spending a night,
395
00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:20,880
he would observe the
family and see
396
00:26:20,960 --> 00:26:23,120
who is supporting him.
397
00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:26,210
JOHN: Young Temujin would have
known very well that the key
398
00:26:26,280 --> 00:26:28,280
{\an8}to survival was security.
399
00:26:28,360 --> 00:26:32,840
{\an8}The only way to build security
was to create loyalty and win
400
00:26:32,920 --> 00:26:37,640
over the local Family Clans
and get them to work together.
401
00:26:37,760 --> 00:26:41,800
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: He found only
one supportive family among
402
00:26:42,280 --> 00:26:47,840
the all those families
that he's been around
403
00:26:47,920 --> 00:26:51,240
NARRATOR: It is a man called
Sorkan-Shira and his family
404
00:26:51,320 --> 00:26:56,560
who take pity on Tem�jin.
405
00:26:56,680 --> 00:27:00,440
PROF SNEATH: They were
sympathetic when he visited.
406
00:27:00,441 --> 00:27:02,599
They let him take the Cangue
off so he could get
407
00:27:02,600 --> 00:27:05,640
a good night's rest.
408
00:27:05,720 --> 00:27:11,520
After a few months,
Tayichiud have a big feast.
409
00:27:11,600 --> 00:27:14,610
NARRATOR: The Secret History
recounts that the Tayichiud
410
00:27:14,680 --> 00:27:18,440
hosts a banquet in celebration
of the first full moon
411
00:27:18,800 --> 00:27:25,240
of the summer, Temujin is taken
to the feast by a young captor.
412
00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:29,280
And ever alert, he
senses an opportunity.
413
00:27:29,360 --> 00:27:32,000
PROF SNEATH: When the
Tayichiud were feasting,
414
00:27:32,120 --> 00:27:35,720
Temujin manages to break
away from his captive,
415
00:27:35,800 --> 00:27:38,720
knocking him on the
head with the Khan,
416
00:27:38,800 --> 00:27:41,720
and then he runs
off and escapes.
417
00:27:43,120 --> 00:27:45,960
NARRATOR: He takes refuge
in the Onon River,
418
00:27:46,040 --> 00:27:49,760
evading his captors
who scour the banks.
419
00:27:49,761 --> 00:27:52,079
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Night time
in Mongolia's freezing,
420
00:27:52,080 --> 00:27:58,040
freezing cold that actually
shows how desperate he was
421
00:27:58,440 --> 00:28:01,920
and how tough he was.
422
00:28:02,000 --> 00:28:04,880
NARRATOR: Among the
searchers is Sorkan-Shira,
423
00:28:04,960 --> 00:28:08,360
who spots Temujin
hiding in the river.
424
00:28:08,361 --> 00:28:10,719
PROF SNEATH: So Sorkan-Shira
sees him and lets him
425
00:28:10,720 --> 00:28:14,400
stay hidden and makes some
excuse so that Temujin
426
00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:18,040
is not discovered
by anyone but him.
427
00:28:18,041 --> 00:28:21,039
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: And then
Sorkan-Shira told him,
428
00:28:21,040 --> 00:28:23,440
go to your mother,
go to your family.
429
00:28:25,440 --> 00:28:27,560
Don't come back to Tayichiud.
430
00:28:28,640 --> 00:28:31,520
NARRATOR: Instead of fleeing,
Temujin slips back into
431
00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:36,680
the Tayichiud camp in
search of Sorkan-Shira.
432
00:28:36,760 --> 00:28:41,160
He knows that to return home
safely, he will need help.
433
00:28:41,161 --> 00:28:44,199
PROF SNEATH: Sorkan-Shira is not
very pleased, because he said,
434
00:28:44,200 --> 00:28:46,720
didn't I tell you to just run.
435
00:28:46,721 --> 00:28:49,239
Nevertheless, he takes him
in and helps him take off
436
00:28:49,240 --> 00:28:54,800
the Cangue and they hide
him for several days.
437
00:28:54,880 --> 00:28:57,920
NARRATOR: After three days
Temujin's captors are still
438
00:28:58,040 --> 00:29:01,640
hunting for him,
growing desperate,
439
00:29:01,720 --> 00:29:04,560
they begin to suspect that
he might be hiding among
440
00:29:04,680 --> 00:29:06,760
their own ranks.
441
00:29:06,840 --> 00:29:09,730
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: He was almost
found when the Tayichiud
442
00:29:09,960 --> 00:29:13,920
started looking for him
amongst each other.
443
00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:17,320
Sorkan-Shira said, no
sense to look here.
444
00:29:22,880 --> 00:29:29,720
And they left as soon as
Tayichiud search group left.
445
00:29:30,200 --> 00:29:35,160
Sorkan-Shira told Temujin that
we can't hide you anymore.
446
00:29:35,161 --> 00:29:39,279
PROF SNEATH: And they give
him provisions and a horse
447
00:29:39,280 --> 00:29:41,200
so he can return to
his family.
448
00:29:45,520 --> 00:29:49,160
NARRATOR: This daring escape
by the young Temujin displays
449
00:29:49,440 --> 00:29:52,400
the cunning and courageous
spirit that will one day
450
00:29:52,480 --> 00:29:57,640
help him realize his destiny
as a powerful leader
451
00:29:57,720 --> 00:29:59,440
on the Mongolian steppe.
452
00:30:08,800 --> 00:30:12,440
Temujin has escaped his captors
and begins the treacherous
453
00:30:12,520 --> 00:30:14,200
journey back to his family,
454
00:30:16,960 --> 00:30:20,440
riding for days and nights
he is eventually reunited
455
00:30:20,560 --> 00:30:23,320
with his mother and
his brothers.
456
00:30:26,400 --> 00:30:30,320
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: After Temujin
came back to his camp,
457
00:30:30,400 --> 00:30:32,680
The Secret History
describes it.
458
00:30:32,760 --> 00:30:36,280
How big a relief for
H�'el�n, the mother,
459
00:30:36,360 --> 00:30:39,310
because they were so afraid
that Temujin will not return,
460
00:30:39,320 --> 00:30:41,720
{\an8}but they happily reunited.
461
00:30:47,320 --> 00:30:50,640
NARRATOR: Years pass, and
Temujin works tirelessly
462
00:30:50,720 --> 00:30:57,000
to rebuild the kingdom that was
lost after his father's death.
463
00:30:57,080 --> 00:31:03,080
Although young, he is
persuasive and charismatic.
464
00:31:03,160 --> 00:31:08,400
He forms a loyal bond with a
boy from another noble family.
465
00:31:08,480 --> 00:31:12,160
The boy's name is Jamuqa.
466
00:31:12,161 --> 00:31:14,919
PROF SNEATH: So Jamuqa is one
of the most important
467
00:31:14,920 --> 00:31:17,080
characters in The
Secret History,
468
00:31:17,081 --> 00:31:19,639
{\an8}and he was clearly of
central importance
469
00:31:19,640 --> 00:31:22,920
{\an8}to Temujin life and the
early part of his career.
470
00:31:25,400 --> 00:31:29,000
JOHN: they were generally as
close as kids are at that age.
471
00:31:38,200 --> 00:31:41,520
NARRATOR: Now 16, Temujin
must consider his future
472
00:31:41,680 --> 00:31:45,640
and the prospect of marriage,
the time has come for him
473
00:31:45,920 --> 00:31:48,240
to be reunited with B�rte.
474
00:31:48,241 --> 00:31:52,319
PROF SNEATH: That is the
bride he was betrothed to
475
00:31:52,320 --> 00:31:55,520
from another influential
noble house nearby,
476
00:31:55,600 --> 00:31:59,600
and this is a key moment
in Temujin's career.
477
00:31:59,680 --> 00:32:03,080
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Temujin
blindly goes to the east
478
00:32:03,160 --> 00:32:07,280
of Mongolia to find out
whether she's still waiting
479
00:32:07,400 --> 00:32:09,880
for him or if she's
already married.
480
00:32:10,400 --> 00:32:12,720
And B�rte was there
waiting for Temujin.
481
00:32:17,160 --> 00:32:18,800
NARRATOR: They are married,
482
00:32:18,880 --> 00:32:24,600
the union provides Temujin with
B�rte, wisdom and counsel.
483
00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:28,200
But it is her dowry that
is immediately vital
484
00:32:28,280 --> 00:32:30,400
for Temujin's ambition.
485
00:32:31,000 --> 00:32:34,000
PROF SNEATH: And her mother
gives to Temujin's mother
486
00:32:34,080 --> 00:32:38,200
a really fine gift, a
beautiful sable coat.
487
00:32:38,280 --> 00:32:41,280
{\an8}JOHN: Now, sables are
not big creatures.
488
00:32:41,360 --> 00:32:45,160
{\an8}Are like sort of weasels, and
they have a very beautiful,
489
00:32:45,240 --> 00:32:47,400
silky black coat.
490
00:32:47,480 --> 00:32:50,400
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Sable coat
is a very valuable item
491
00:32:50,640 --> 00:32:54,120
for a nomadic family
even today.
492
00:32:54,121 --> 00:32:55,999
PROF SNEATH: Sable
fur was associated
493
00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:58,600
with very senior status.
494
00:32:59,120 --> 00:33:03,080
JOHN: This was going to
come in very useful.
495
00:33:03,081 --> 00:33:05,759
PROF SNEATH: When Tem�jin
returns with his new bride
496
00:33:05,760 --> 00:33:09,200
and this very princely gift, he
and his brothers immediately
497
00:33:09,280 --> 00:33:13,560
go to the neighboring kingdom,
the Khanate of the Kerait
498
00:33:13,640 --> 00:33:18,760
and give this to the ruler
To'orul to sort of reforge
499
00:33:18,840 --> 00:33:22,240
an alliance that had
been endured between
500
00:33:22,320 --> 00:33:25,920
Temujin father and the
King of the Kerait
501
00:33:26,000 --> 00:33:30,880
he probably swears
loyalty to him.
502
00:33:30,960 --> 00:33:35,000
Now the Kerait is a big,
stable and large kingdom
503
00:33:35,080 --> 00:33:37,960
in the central part of
what's now Mongolia.
504
00:33:38,040 --> 00:33:40,400
He must have been one
of the most influential,
505
00:33:40,480 --> 00:33:42,200
powerful rulers in the area.
506
00:33:45,240 --> 00:33:51,800
To'orul Khan is someone who was
an ally of Temujin's father,
507
00:33:51,880 --> 00:33:56,320
Yesugei Ba-atur were both Ander,
so sort of bond of loyalty
508
00:33:56,440 --> 00:34:02,040
that should never be broken,
a blood brotherhood.
509
00:34:02,280 --> 00:34:05,600
This link is something
that Temujin reactivates.
510
00:34:05,911 --> 00:34:11,679
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: To'orul had
some political influence.
511
00:34:11,680 --> 00:34:16,160
He was leading the largest
tribe with the most expensive
512
00:34:16,240 --> 00:34:18,120
pasture of that time.
513
00:34:18,200 --> 00:34:21,320
So, Tem�jin saw that
To'orul Khan's resources
514
00:34:21,440 --> 00:34:23,080
will be very helpful for him.
515
00:34:23,081 --> 00:34:25,159
PROF SNEATH: The
ruler of the Kerait,
516
00:34:25,160 --> 00:34:27,520
makes this extraordinary
promise.
517
00:34:27,600 --> 00:34:31,200
He says, in return
for this sable coat,
518
00:34:31,280 --> 00:34:36,400
I will reunite your
scattered kingdom.
519
00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:38,840
Temujin, the kind
of semi exiled,
520
00:34:38,920 --> 00:34:42,040
reduced prince is now
being supported
521
00:34:42,120 --> 00:34:46,480
by the most powerful local
ruler as the new ruler
522
00:34:46,560 --> 00:34:50,200
of a large section of
the Mongolian steppe.
523
00:34:50,360 --> 00:34:53,320
So, his fortunes were
transformed by the gift
524
00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,720
of the sable cloak.
525
00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:03,070
So, it's clear there must have
been something about Temujin
526
00:35:03,680 --> 00:35:06,560
the secret of history mentions
how his contemporaries
527
00:35:06,640 --> 00:35:09,800
praised him. Thought
he had personality,
528
00:35:09,880 --> 00:35:12,360
fire in his eyes.
529
00:35:12,440 --> 00:35:17,000
But the old narrative, it was
treated as a sort of puzzle
530
00:35:17,320 --> 00:35:20,960
as to why a kind of simple
barbarian people would create
531
00:35:21,080 --> 00:35:23,840
an amazingly
successful empire.
532
00:35:24,320 --> 00:35:28,240
So, one way to try and explain
this apparent contradiction
533
00:35:28,320 --> 00:35:29,480
was charisma,
534
00:35:32,880 --> 00:35:35,880
he obviously did have a
commanding presence.
535
00:35:35,960 --> 00:35:40,000
The king himself, To'orul,
seems to trust him enormously,
536
00:35:40,080 --> 00:35:42,920
supports him. So, all
of these qualities,
537
00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:45,880
I think were parts of
his amazing character,
538
00:35:46,320 --> 00:35:49,400
but he is still only one
of many contenders
539
00:35:49,640 --> 00:35:52,960
for these senior
royal positions.
540
00:35:54,320 --> 00:35:56,440
I think at this
stage in his career,
541
00:35:56,520 --> 00:36:00,960
Temujin really is concerned with
re-establishing what he's lost.
542
00:36:01,040 --> 00:36:05,880
After all, his father had
ruled most of the kingdom
543
00:36:05,881 --> 00:36:08,839
that had been established by
Tem�jin's great grandfather,
544
00:36:08,840 --> 00:36:12,840
and Tem�jin has been deprived
of it and wants to get it back.
545
00:36:12,920 --> 00:36:16,400
But perhaps even beyond
that, he's on the cusp
546
00:36:16,520 --> 00:36:17,880
of something bigger.
547
00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:22,000
He enters the courtly politics
of the Kerait Khanate
548
00:36:22,120 --> 00:36:25,760
this kingdom, and is
doing very well at it.
549
00:36:25,840 --> 00:36:30,080
It may be that the possibility
of something even bigger begins
550
00:36:30,160 --> 00:36:33,880
to occur to him, that he
realizes he might go further,
551
00:36:33,960 --> 00:36:37,000
and, in fact, perhaps even
reunite and reestablish
552
00:36:37,080 --> 00:36:39,200
this much bigger kingdom.
553
00:36:40,960 --> 00:36:43,800
NARRATOR: Temujin's influence
is growing stronger,
554
00:36:43,880 --> 00:36:48,800
but as his power increases,
so do the dangers.
555
00:36:50,120 --> 00:36:55,000
The Mongolian steppe is a
land of endless rivalry,
556
00:36:55,080 --> 00:36:59,520
and an old enemy is preparing
to strike at the heart
557
00:36:59,600 --> 00:37:01,600
of Temujin's family.
558
00:37:06,320 --> 00:37:09,600
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Temujin's
happiness with B�rte
559
00:37:09,680 --> 00:37:12,320
didn't last long.
560
00:37:12,321 --> 00:37:14,319
PROF SNEATH: A serving
woman is sleeping.
561
00:37:14,320 --> 00:37:16,850
She wakes up because she
hears the sound of hooves.
562
00:37:19,120 --> 00:37:23,240
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: It was
Merkit, the longtime rival
563
00:37:23,360 --> 00:37:25,880
of Temujin's father.
564
00:37:26,160 --> 00:37:29,640
JOHN: They came to
kidnap his wife, B�rte.
565
00:37:29,641 --> 00:37:31,639
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: There
was so many Merkits
566
00:37:31,640 --> 00:37:34,720
and if they fought back,
everybody would be killed.
567
00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:37,640
JOHN: There was a general
scattering of the group.
568
00:37:37,720 --> 00:37:40,850
PROF SNEATH: H�'el�n Temujin
mother immediately organizes
569
00:37:40,920 --> 00:37:45,840
them. They jump on the
available horses.
570
00:37:45,920 --> 00:37:48,800
JOHN: Amongst them,
Temujin himself,
571
00:37:48,880 --> 00:37:51,720
who took a local
horse and fled.
572
00:37:53,320 --> 00:37:56,560
PROF SNEATH: but there
is no horse for B�rte,
573
00:37:56,640 --> 00:37:58,760
poor B�rte is left.
574
00:37:58,761 --> 00:38:02,159
JOHN: And you might think
this was an act of cowardice,
575
00:38:02,160 --> 00:38:06,200
but in fact, he knew that B�rte
was going to be kidnapped,
576
00:38:06,320 --> 00:38:08,800
whereas he himself
would have been killed.
577
00:38:08,880 --> 00:38:11,120
PROF SNEATH: B�rte
the bride is captured,
578
00:38:11,200 --> 00:38:14,240
but Tem�jin and his mother
and brothers and so on,
579
00:38:14,760 --> 00:38:16,760
they've all escaped.
580
00:38:17,760 --> 00:38:21,760
This is a really dramatic moment
in the young Tem�jin career.
581
00:38:22,040 --> 00:38:24,080
He seemed to be on
the cusp of so much,
582
00:38:24,240 --> 00:38:26,280
but now he's lost his bride.
583
00:38:27,320 --> 00:38:30,080
The problem is, at the
moment, he doesn't command
584
00:38:30,280 --> 00:38:32,480
very much of anything.
585
00:38:32,640 --> 00:38:35,520
So, if he's going to get his
bride, B�rte back again,
586
00:38:35,920 --> 00:38:37,920
he is going to need help.
587
00:38:54,080 --> 00:38:57,640
B�rte has been kidnapped
by the Merkit
588
00:38:57,720 --> 00:39:00,360
and Tem�jin needs to
get her back.
589
00:39:00,361 --> 00:39:02,599
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Merkit
was a really strong
590
00:39:02,600 --> 00:39:05,360
and established tribe.
591
00:39:05,440 --> 00:39:09,080
Tem�jin didn't have
soldiers, didn't have army,
592
00:39:09,160 --> 00:39:14,040
{\an8}didn't have anyone to help
him bring Bush B�rte back.
593
00:39:14,120 --> 00:39:16,520
PROF SNEATH: So Tem�jin
immediately enlists
594
00:39:16,600 --> 00:39:19,960
the support of the ruler of
the neighboring kingdom,
595
00:39:20,040 --> 00:39:23,680
probably now his overlord,
To'orul, Ong Khan,
596
00:39:23,800 --> 00:39:25,120
the ruler of the Kerait.
597
00:39:25,891 --> 00:39:31,519
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: To'orul, Ong
says, for the sable coat
598
00:39:31,520 --> 00:39:37,520
that you gave me last year,
I will bring your wife back.
599
00:39:37,521 --> 00:39:39,999
PROF SNEATH: So To'orul
says that he will raise
600
00:39:40,000 --> 00:39:43,240
{\an8}two divisions. Just how
many 1000 people
601
00:39:43,360 --> 00:39:45,440
{\an8}is in each one, we
don't know,
602
00:39:45,520 --> 00:39:49,080
{\an8}but nominally it
means 10,000 troops.
603
00:39:51,800 --> 00:39:55,560
So, he's going to raise
2-10,000 troop units
604
00:39:55,840 --> 00:40:00,800
to support Temujin to
get his bride back.
605
00:40:00,880 --> 00:40:03,880
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: But it will
not be strong enough to beat
606
00:40:03,960 --> 00:40:07,400
the Merkit immediately.
607
00:40:07,880 --> 00:40:11,560
He said, you should go to Jamuqa
and ask for Jamuqa's help.
608
00:40:11,760 --> 00:40:17,880
So, if Jamuqa can help
you, I can help you.
609
00:40:17,960 --> 00:40:21,800
Jamuqa and Temujin
became Andas.
610
00:40:21,880 --> 00:40:24,520
That means that they are
not just family friends.
611
00:40:24,600 --> 00:40:26,920
They are battle friends.
612
00:40:26,921 --> 00:40:29,319
PROF SNEATH: And this
is very important
613
00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:33,560
for the young Temujin. Jamuqa
is going to raise another two
614
00:40:33,640 --> 00:40:36,240
of these divisions.
615
00:40:36,320 --> 00:40:39,000
Turns out one of these will
actually be placed under
616
00:40:39,120 --> 00:40:42,040
the command of Temujin himself.
617
00:40:42,680 --> 00:40:48,400
Temujin is put in charge
of a unit of 10,000 troops.
618
00:40:48,401 --> 00:40:52,039
NARRATOR: This is an important
milestone for the young,
619
00:40:52,040 --> 00:40:54,520
soon to be ruler Temujin.
620
00:40:55,200 --> 00:40:58,200
He has endured
poverty for a decade,
621
00:40:58,280 --> 00:41:03,320
and is slowly becoming a
fearsome leader and warrior.
622
00:41:03,440 --> 00:41:08,600
This is his first true
test of leadership.
623
00:41:08,680 --> 00:41:13,400
{\an8}JOHN: Some months later, the
time came to rescue B�rte.
624
00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:18,160
When meeting up with
Jamuqa Temujin came late,
625
00:41:18,240 --> 00:41:22,240
Jamuqa told him off a bit
of a strip for being late.
626
00:41:22,400 --> 00:41:25,560
And the reason he did this is
because if you have an army
627
00:41:25,760 --> 00:41:28,960
waiting to go into action,
they need feeding,
628
00:41:29,040 --> 00:41:31,330
and they would have eaten
a lot of the pasture.
629
00:41:33,080 --> 00:41:36,240
Temujin puts this in the
Secret History as a lesson
630
00:41:36,320 --> 00:41:38,400
for everybody not to be late.
631
00:41:38,480 --> 00:41:40,800
Said, Mongols
should not be late.
632
00:41:42,320 --> 00:41:46,160
PROF SNEATH: This new army
start marching up north
633
00:41:46,320 --> 00:41:51,640
towards the Merkit territory
to retrieve B�rte,
634
00:41:51,960 --> 00:41:54,000
because this is a
really big force.
635
00:41:54,001 --> 00:41:56,679
There's really nothing that
the Merkit can put together
636
00:41:56,680 --> 00:41:58,520
that's going to stop them.
637
00:41:59,360 --> 00:42:01,600
And they move up.
638
00:42:01,680 --> 00:42:06,320
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: Tem�jin
Jamuqa and To'orul soldiers
639
00:42:06,400 --> 00:42:08,440
attacked Merkit.
640
00:42:09,200 --> 00:42:11,440
PROF SNEATH: Overtaking
and eliminating
641
00:42:11,760 --> 00:42:13,760
the Merkit resistance.
642
00:42:17,120 --> 00:42:19,640
MRS TSEDEVDAMBA: They
conquer the Merkit.
643
00:42:19,960 --> 00:42:21,760
They destroy the Merkit.
644
00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:24,640
There are lots of
suffering happening
645
00:42:24,720 --> 00:42:26,800
for the Merkit families.
646
00:42:28,440 --> 00:42:31,680
NARRATOR: Temujin forces
sweep through the enemy camp,
647
00:42:32,080 --> 00:42:36,000
laying waste to
everyone in their path.
648
00:42:37,560 --> 00:42:41,080
The Merkits caught off
guard attempt to flee,
649
00:42:41,520 --> 00:42:44,280
but many are cut
down in the chaos.
650
00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:48,320
Temujin runs through
the ruin camp,
651
00:42:48,480 --> 00:42:51,400
calling out for his
kidnapped bride.
652
00:42:51,880 --> 00:42:55,280
PROF SNEATH: Temujin is running
around, calling her name,
653
00:42:55,360 --> 00:42:58,480
and eventually he
discovers B�rte
654
00:42:58,840 --> 00:43:01,680
living in somebody
else's home.
655
00:43:01,760 --> 00:43:05,840
It seems that B�rte has been
assigned to a minor nobleman
656
00:43:05,960 --> 00:43:08,160
to look after.
657
00:43:08,240 --> 00:43:10,560
JOHN: The couple fined
each other and fall
658
00:43:11,040 --> 00:43:14,520
into each other's arms and
becomes, once again,
659
00:43:15,080 --> 00:43:17,600
part of Temujin household.
660
00:43:23,480 --> 00:43:27,320
NARRATOR: Temujin has
emerged victorious,
661
00:43:27,400 --> 00:43:28,520
rescued his bride
662
00:43:30,240 --> 00:43:34,000
{\an8}and shown his rivals
that despite his youth,
663
00:43:34,320 --> 00:43:37,240
{\an8}he is a force to
be reckoned with.
664
00:43:41,080 --> 00:43:45,280
{\an8}However, even though Temujin
has reclaimed what was lost
665
00:43:45,800 --> 00:43:51,080
{\an8}after his father's death, a new
ambition will now consume him
666
00:43:52,440 --> 00:43:57,320
{\an8}the battle to dominate all
of the Mongolian steppe.
667
00:43:57,370 --> 00:44:01,920
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