Pilot Lecture: The Timurid Empire

Follow the dramatic story of the Timurid Empire and its founder, Tamerlane: the last great nomadic conqueror of the Eurasian steppe and one of history’s foremost military tacticians.

Overview

Course No. 90137

Travel back to the 14th century and explore the dramatic story of an empire that encompassed most of Central Asia and the Caucasus, all of Afghanistan and Iran, and, at intervals, extended into the Middle East, North India, and parts of today’s Russia. Along the way, witness the rise of its founder, Tamerlane—whose paradoxical roles as both geopolitical scourge and great patron of the arts forever shaped this fascinating part of the world.

Video Lecture

1. The Timurid Empire
   Explore the scope of the 14th-century Timurid Empire through its founder, Tamerlane. Following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan, Tamerlane cultivated the image of a grand nomadic warrior and became one of the last nomadic conquerors of the Eurasian steppe. Witness this brilliant tactician forever shape history through his reign of terror—and his support of artistic innovation.