Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World

More to the Mongols than meets the eye. Genghis Khan is coming to Leeds. The international blockbuster exhibition Genghis Khan: How the Mongols Changed the World will be charging into the Royal Armouries Museum until November 2026. Discover the story of how the unstoppable force of Genghis Khan overcame exile, murder and betrayal to unite his people and rule over an empire that stretched from Europe to China. For the first time in the UK, see over 250 rare and exciting objects from Mongolia which will tell the story of how the feared Mongol warriors of the Steppe, masters of horse and bow, forged an empire that gave us the first postal system, paper money and a policy of religious tolerance.

WHAT'S ON

This internationally celebrated exhibition brings together two distinct sides of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, offering a complete portrait of the largest contiguous land empire in human history.

The exhibition presents the story of Genghis Khan, his path to power, and the remarkably modern methods by which he governed his empire.

Among its highlights are over 250 objects on loan from Mongolia's national museums, including bows and arrows, weapons, armour, saddles, coins and ornaments.

In addition, throughout the summer the Royal Armouries Museum will stage live performances in its open-air grounds, showcasing the extraordinary horsemanship, martial skill and archery of Mongol warriors.

Original artefacts: This extraordinary exhibition brings together rare objects dating from the 1st to the 14th centuries, drawn from Mongolia's national collections, including many national treasures, many coming to the UK for the first ever time.

Tribes of the Steppe and the rise of Genghis Khan: Discover more about the lives and cultures of nomadic steppe tribes and follow the story of a young boy named Temujin who would overcome exile, betrayal and conflict to become the famous Genghis Khan.

The unstoppable Mongol Warrior: Explore the tactics, weapons and armour the Mongol warriors used to conquer every civilisation they encountered, from China to Europe. Test your skills in the saddle and understand the skill it takes to ride a horse and loose an arrow in the heat of battle.

A surprisingly modern empire: Uncover the innovations of Pax Mongolica that still feel relevant to our modern world, like promotion based on merit, the first international postal system, paper money, and religious tolerance.