Genghis Khan is famous for launching the conquest of the largest contiguous empire the world has ever seen. And for fathering enough children that today nearly every person of Asian decent carries his DNA. But he might not have done any of it if not for the love he bore one incredible woman, his Empress, Borte. The couple started their story as a great romance. As it evolved into a saga of war, conquest, and politics, Borte was by her husband’s side, ruling in his stead and influencing trade and diplomacy across the Empire. She doesn’t even seem to have minded his many other, lesser wives, who we will also meet today. Let’s get to know the great Mongol Empress, Borte. Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHolidaySources: Favereau, Marie. The Horde: How the Mongols Changed the World. Harvard University Press, 2021.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%B6rteIllustrations from: https://avid-archer.com/borte-empress-of-mongolia-wife-of-genghis-khan/Music: Lau Tzu Ehru by Doug MaxwellJoin me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History!Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholidayPlease consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes!Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell#HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHolidayPlease contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices