Quote:
Originally Posted by Haak
This is waaaaay before Ghengis Khan isn't it?
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Genghis Khan was born in the latter half of 12th century. The actual origin of the story of Aladdin and his lamp is unknown, but was first included as part of the
Arabian Nights stories in early 18th century. There are no known written versions of the Aladdin story earlier than the 18th century. The story could have pre-dated Genghis Khan, but it would have had to have been handed down orally for at least six centuries, or more.
The same goes for the story of
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. It's first known written version comes the same 18th century publication of the
Arabian Nights stories.
Of course, the writers are not necessarily going by known history for their story-telling.