logo
episode-header-image
Jan 2025
39m 24s

Genghis Khan's Sex Life

History Hit
About this episode

As historical figures go, Genghis Khan has something of a reputation.


Is there any truth to the rumours of him fathering so many children? What was life like in 12th century Mongolia? And how did he create one of histories most noted empires?


Joining Kate today is historian Marie Favereau, author of The Horde: How The Mongols Changed The World, to help us find out.


This episode was edited and produced by Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.


All music from Epidemic Sounds/All3 Media.


Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  


You can take part in our listener survey here.


Betwixt the Sheets: History of Sex, Scandal & Society is a History Hit podcast.

Up next
Yesterday
Royal Sex: Marie Antoinette
Behind the wild accusations of extra-marital affairs and a lavish lifestyle, who was the real Marie Antoinette? Why did her marriage to King Louis XVI go unconsummated for 7 years? And why did her life of luxury end in tragedy amidst the French Revolution?Joining Kate today for t ... Show More
54m 21s
Jul 8
The Power of Medieval Gossip
People have always gossiped, but what did they gossip about in medieval times? How were women punished for gossiping? And where does the term 'gossip' come from?Joining Kate today to gossip about all things medieval gossip is the wonderful Eleanor Janega, co-host of our sister po ... Show More
34m 25s
Jul 4
Royal Sex: Queen Victoria
With NINE children, it can probably be assumed that Queen Victoria was no stranger to the sheets, but what do we actually know about her love (and sex) life?To examine Victoria's diaries, her passionate relationship and her society's attitude to sex, Kate is joined for this speci ... Show More
47m 34s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2020
Attila the Hun
Known as the Scourge of God, Attila the Hun was one of the greatest Barbarian rulers in history. Renowned for his brutality, sacking and pillaging the lands and cities he conquered, Attila became one of the most feared enemies of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. But how did ... Show More
25m 47s
Jun 26
Akbar, the Great Mughal
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb discusses the remarkable life of Akbar the Great, one of history's most impressive emperors. Together with historian Ira Mukhoty, Suzannah explores Akbar's journey from royal hostage to a ruler known for his vast, multi-ethnic empire.From how Akbar use ... Show More
56m 52s
Feb 2025
Legacy: Genghis Khan
After victory in China, Genghis Khan goes west and takes on the Khwarezmians, surprising his enemy with a daring assault. He conquers all in his path and now controls the biggest empire the world has ever seen. But whose shoulders are broad enough to become his successor? Listen ... Show More
7m 58s
Jun 2024
Most BRUTAL Warriors Of War History: Alexander The Great Vs. Genghis Khan ft. Abhijit Chavda | TRS
Check out my Mind Performance app: Level SuperMind Android - https://install.lvl.fit/wqn9l1exy8twrg3z3p4lm iOS - https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1623828602?pt=124995957&ct=Ranveer59&mt=8 Join the Level Community Here: https://linktr.ee/levelsupermindcommunity Check out B ... Show More
1h 27m
Dec 2024
How Old is America?
When fossils were discovered in the US during the 19th Century, it altered American understandings of science, religion, race and more. So what was the Hadrosaurus Foulkii, and why did it have such an enormous effect? Caroline Winterer, William Robertson Coe Professor of History ... Show More
27m 55s
Jun 23
Shakespeare's Family: New Discoveries
Did the women in Shakespeare’s life—his wife, sister, and daughters—shape his story more than we realise? Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Matthew Steggle to hear how new digital tools and rediscovered manuscripts uncover surprising evidence about Shakespeare’s family ... Show More
40m 48s
Aug 2024
Boudica, Britain's Warrior Queen
In 61 CE, Boudica of the Iceni led a bloody revolt to end Roman rule in Britain. Roman historians tell us with great drama and flair that the grand finale is a huge battle between Boudica and the Roman governor, Suetonius. Tens of thousands of Celtic warriors went head-to-head wi ... Show More
38m 50s
Jun 23
Frenemies: Russia & the USA, a History
For nearly half a century, the United States and Russia stood as adversaries, entrenched in a tense geopolitical rivalry known as the Cold War. Yet this period represents only a brief chapter in the broader, more complex history of their relationship...In this episode, Professor ... Show More
1h 3m
Nov 2023
The Gettysburg Address
What makes the Gettysburg Address one of the most famous speeches in history? Did Lincoln really write it on the train? How did the audience in the Soldiers' National Cemetery respond? In this episode, Don is joined once again by Glenn LaFantasie to examine the words, circumstanc ... Show More
31m 53s
Feb 2025
Genghis Khan | The Unstoppable Khan | 2
The many Mongolian tribes are now under the control of one man. They have crowned him Genghis Khan – the supreme ruler. His army is organised, disciplined, deadly and unstoppable. But the Mongolian Steppes aren’t enough for the great Khan. He has his sights set on his next glitte ... Show More
46m 22s