Archaeologists discover fortress of Genghis Khan in western Mongolia

Archaeologists from Mongolia and Japan have announced that a fortress in southwest Mongolia was commissioned by the legendary Genghis Khan himself.

The 13th century military outpost was first discovered in 2001, The Asahi Shimbun reports. The archaeologists believe it was built in 1212 and was used by Mongol leader Genghis Khan during his invasion of central Asia.

The archaeologists also found artifacts, including ceramics, wood chips, and animal bones, at the site. Carbon dating revealed that the wood chips dated to the 12th and 13th centuries, while the bones were from the 14th century.

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While ruling the Mongol Empire, Genghis Khan created "the largest contiguous empire in history" across Eurasia, Ancient Origins reports. His burial location is still unknown.