Jochi

Jochi (c. 1182–c. 1225), eldest son of Genghis Khan and Börte, was ancestor of the Golden Horde khans. The Merkits carried Börte off before his birth, so his paternity was doubted; his name means ‘guest’. Genghis treated him as a son, Chagatai did not, and their quarrel cost both the succession.

In 1206 Genghis granted him nine thousand warriors and the westernmost lands. In the Khwarazmian war of 1219–1221 he quarrelled with Chagatai at Gurganj, the capital he hoped to keep intact for himself, and the siege ruined much of it.

He withheld Genghis's loot share and withdrew north, where some said he preferred hunting. Summoned around 1224, he pleaded illness, but a traveller saw him hunting; Genghis meant to act when his death was reported. A tale that Genghis had him poisoned is probably invented. His son Batu inherited lands that grew into the Golden Horde.