But how many people can actually, credibly claim at least partial descent from Genghis Khan? Genghis Khan led an empire more than four times the size of the Roman Empire at its peak. History of Claiming Genghis Khan Lineagexijian / iStock via Getty ImagesCloser to the time of Genghis Khan, claiming direct lineage from the Khan himself was a sure way to secure power for yourself and your family. Genghis Khan was deified in Mongolia, incorporated into Mongol shamanism and later into Buddhism as a divine figure. However, since the burial location of Genghis Khan is a mystery, and the remains of his children have not been tested, we may never know how many people can actually claim Genghis Khan ancestry.