Borte, also known as Börte Ujin, was the first wife of Genghis Khan, the founder and Great Khan of the Mongol Empire. Here are some key points about her:
- Early Life and Marriage: Born around 1161, Borte was from the Khongirad tribe, a group allied with the Mongols. She married Temujin (later known as Genghis Khan) when he was in his teens. Their marriage was likely arranged to solidify political alliances between their tribes.
- Abduction: In 1181, Borte was kidnapped by the Merkit tribe during a time when Temujin was away. This event was pivotal as it led to Genghis Khan's rise to power. He formed alliances with other tribes, including the Kereit and Jadaran, to rescue her, which ultimately strengthened his position.
- Children: After her return, Borte gave birth to several children, including Jochi, Chagatai, Ogedei, and Tolui. There was some controversy over the paternity of Jochi, as he was born shortly after her abduction, but Genghis Khan accepted him as his son.
- Role in the Empire: Borte played a significant role in the administration and politics of the early Mongol Empire. She was not only a consort but also acted as an advisor to Genghis Khan and was involved in tribal affairs.
- Death: The exact date of Borte's death is unknown, but she likely died around 1230, after having seen her husband's empire expand vastly.
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