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Ong Khan

Type Figure Region Mongolian Plateau Time c. 1130–1203 Also known as Wang Khan

Ong Khan (Toghrul) was a late 12th-century leader of the Kereit, honored as Wang Khan, an important tribal overlord of the eastern Mongolian steppe.…

Timeline

  1. c. 1150–1170Kereit pasturelands (upper Orkhon River) · KereitToghrul consolidated his position amid tribal infighting and external campaigns, being honored by his followers as Ong Khan (Wang Khan), becoming one of the most powerful tribal overlords of the eastern Mongolian steppe, and forming anda ties with Yesügei.
  2. 1171–1180Kereit royal camp · KereitAfter Yesügei's death, Ong Khan, mindful of old friendship, took Temüjin as adopted son and aided him repeatedly. Around 1178 Temüjin's wife Börte was carried off by the Merkits; at Temüjin's request Ong Khan sent troops, and with Jamukha's help recovered her, further consolidating their alliance in the early phase of Mongol unification.
  3. 1197–1203Eastern Mongolian Plateau · Mongolian PlateauAs Temüjin's power expanded, Ong Khan and his son Senggum grew ever more suspicious, the two turning from adoptive father and son into bitter enemies. In 1203 the Kereit were soundly defeated at the Battle of Khalanjin Tolgoi; Ong Khan was killed by the Naimans while fleeing, and the Kereit were destroyed.

Sources