Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford (2005). Genghis Khan conquered more land than any other man in history. An area about the size of the African continent. He and his generals controlled western Asia as far north as today’s Korea and as far south as today’s Vietnam. On the east side they advanced to as far north till today’s Hungary and to the south till the Balkans.
Most sources on G. Khan depicts the well-know cruel man and his brutal methods of combat that would make Napoleon and Mao look like tiny hooligans. But this book exposes the other side: a man who was ahead of his time. A thousand years ago he established diplomatic relationships between Europe and China, organized towns into a free-trade zone, lowered taxes and created the first international postal system. His empire was huge and he crafted a system to keep his empire well-communicated. He granted religious freedom within his realms, though he demanded total loyalty from conquered subjects of all religions.
Genghis Khan did not die in combat nor was assassinated. He lived a long life and died in his bed surrounded by his family and friends.