The life and legacy of Mongolian warlord Genghis Khan is being explored in an exhibition in Leeds.
“Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World” opened at the Royal Armouries on 26 June and runs until November.
It brings 248 rare Mongolian artefacts to the UK for the first time, dating from the 1st to the 14th centuries – and many of the pieces have never left Mongolia before.
Curator Dr Marie Favereau said: “The Mongolians created new maps, science was very developed, they loved astronomy, they loved art.”
She added: “Paintings were important, ceramics. So the idea is to recreate this world that you can now touch.”
Ongoing archaeology efforts in Mongolia have recently unearthed objects from the 13th and 14th centuries.
These include coins, ceramics, fine textiles and felts, which highlight a rich and varied material culture beyond warfare and mobility.
The French historian added: “For the first time, we have objects coming directly from Mongolia and not from other museums, because they are starting to recreate their own history with objects they found in archaeological excavations.”
