ABSTRACT
The ruthless architect of a sprawling empire centered in Central Asia, Timur (Tamerlane) was the last nomadic conqueror to threaten the civilizations of China, India, and the Near East. Timur had an inauspicious beginning. Born near the city of Samarkand, in Transoxiana, he spent part of his youth stealing sheep from neighboring herders. After creating a personal following through this brigandage, he gained the title of emir among the Barlas in 1360. He proclaimed himself ruler of the Ulus Chaghatay in 1370. Eager to emulate his Mongol predecessors, he established a royal court at Samarkand. Like his Mongol predecessor, Timur was not content with ruling only Central Asia. The empire that Timur imposed upon Central Asia and the Near East exacted a heavy cost from the subject population. He spent very little time at his capital in Samarkand because he believed his presence at the head of his wandering armies was more important.
