Genghis Khan is famous the world over as the Great Khan (emperor) of the Mongol Empire, which would become the largest contiguous empire in history. What most people probably don't know, however, is that Genghis Khan, or Chinghis as he's more commonly known in Mongolia, was not his real name. Rather, he was born Temujin, which means "of Iron" or "blacksmith." It wasn't until he was 44 that he was named the Great Khan after uniting the Mongol plains.

While on the subject of Genghis Khan, perhaps more practical for today's generation is that of liquor. Today you can find Chinggis Khan vodka, which claims to capture the courage, spirit and wisdom of one man. I'm not sure how a drink can capture courage or wisdom, but I agree that it's definitely a spirit.

The Mongolian countryside.