Genghis Khan was one of the greatest military leaders in history. At the end of the 12th century, he succeeded in uniting the Mongolian tribes and leading them to world dominance. The Secret History of the Mongols recounts his origins, life, and political rise, but also addresses his defeats, doubts, and character flaws. With this edition, the oldest and most significant monument of Mongolian literature is finally available again in German. The Secret History of the Mongols was written by an anonymous author in the first half of the 13th century. Its clear language, which alternates between factual description and lyrical contemplation, is of high artistic merit. Praise and award songs, wedding and lamentation songs, proverbs, sayings, and oath formulas give the work a special tension and vividness.