An amazing exhibition entitled -“Chinggis Khaan: Bringing the Legend to Life” – is opening at Union Station in Kansas City in the US State of Missouri. The Mongol leader, who conquered and commanded the largest contiguous land empire in history, is known for his ruthlessness and savagery. This exhibition, while not ignoring that legacy, also highlights some of his positive achievements.

Exhibits range from biographical graphics and displays of weaponry to musical instruments and modern Mongolia. In the area of the exhibition focusing on his early life, when he bore the name ‘Temujin’, the  highlight is a full-size ger (yurt), a typical home for the 13th-century Mongols. Today, about one-third of Mongolians are still nomads living in this traditional style.

Another area features warriors and the equestrian culture. A quote from Chinggis Khaan, “Conquering the world on horseback is easy; it is dismounting and governing that is hard.” Among the artifacts are metal passports from the 13th and 14th centuries. One, from 1240 A.D., is one of only two passports from the reign of Chinggis Khaan’s grandson, Khubilai. The translation, “I am the emissary of the Khaan. If you defy me, you die.”

But it’s not all blood and thunder. There are cases of musical instruments and writings. Daily musical performances by talented Mongolian musicians in sumptuous costumes are not to be missed. Another area, inspired by Shang-tu (Xanadu), the Summer Palace of Khubilai Khaan, has examples of fine porcelain and a sword with the emblem of a guardian of Marco Polo.

The exhibition will run until April 26.