Ong Khan

Who was Ong Khan?

Wang Khan, also Ong Khan, was the title given to the Kerait ruler Toghrul by the Jurchen Jin Dynasty of China. Like the rest of his tribe he may have been a Nestorian Christian. Wang Khan was the anda of Temüjin's father Yesükhei, and acted as a patron and early ally for Temüjin.

When Temüjin attacked Jamukha for the title of Khan, Toghrul, fearing Temüjin's growing power, plotted with Jamukha to have Temüjin assassinated. Toghrul was killed in 1203 by Naiman soldiers who failed to recognize him as the former was fleeing from a defeat by Genghis Khan. Genghis married his son Tolui to one of Toghrul's nieces, the Nestorian Christian Sorghaghtani Bekhi. Tolui and Sorghaghtani Bekhi became the parents of Möngke Khan and Kublai Khan.

During the 13th century, Wang Khan was one of several Asian or African leaders who was identified with the legend of Prester John.