After Tamerlane

Synopsis

Tamerlane, the Ottomans, the Mughals, the Manchus, the British, the Soviets, the Japanese and the Nazis.

All built empires they hoped would last forever: all were destined to fail. But, as John Darwin shows in his magnificent book, their empire building created the world we know today.

From the death of Tamerlane in 1405, last of the 'world conquerors', to the rise and fall of European empires, and from America's growing colonial presence to the resurgence of India and China as global economic powers, After Tamerlane provides a wonderfully intriguing perspective on the past, present and future of empires.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Legacy of Tamerlane

* Explores the historical context of Tamerlane's reign and its impact on Central Asia.
* Real Example: Discusses the destruction of Samarkand, once a flourishing metropolis, by Tamerlane's army.

Chapter 2: The Timurid Dynasty

* Traces the rise and fall of the Timurid dynasty, which ruled Central Asia from the 14th to 16th centuries.
* Real Example: Describes the ambitious reign of Ulugh Beg, Tamerlane's grandson, who became a renowned astronomer and patron of the arts.

Chapter 3: The Nomadic Pastoralists

* Examines the role of nomadic pastoralists in the post-Tamerlane era, focusing on their impact on trade, agriculture, and the political landscape.
* Real Example: Discusses the relationship between the Qara Khitai nomads and the sedentary population of Central Asia, leading to the formation of new alliances and conflicts.

Chapter 4: The Rise of the Silk Road

* Chronicles the revitalization of the Silk Road, a major trade route connecting Central Asia to China, India, and Europe.
* Real Example: Describes the role of Samarkand as a key node on the Silk Road, attracting merchants and scholars from around the world.

Chapter 5: The Golden Horde and the Rise of Muscovy

* Explores the relationship between the Golden Horde, a Mongol empire in Eastern Europe, and the rise of the Grand Duchy of Muscovy.
* Real Example: Discusses the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, where Dmitri Donskoi of Muscovy defeated Mamai of the Golden Horde, marking a turning point in Russian history.

Chapter 6: The Oirats and the Ming Empire

* Analyzes the conflicts between the Oirat Mongols and the Ming dynasty of China, vying for control of the Central Asian steppe.
* Real Example: Describes the Tumu Crisis in 1449, when the Oirats captured the Ming emperor, leading to a humiliating peace treaty for China.

Chapter 7: The Kazakh Khanate and the Mughal Empire

* Discusses the formation of the Kazakh Khanate in Central Asia and its role in trade and diplomacy.
* Real Example: Explores the origins of the Mughal Empire in India, founded by Babur, a descendant of Tamerlane, who conquered Delhi in 1526.

Chapter 8: The Legacy of After Tamerlane

* Assesses the lasting impact of Tamerlane's reign and the Timurid era on Central Asia and beyond.
* Real Example: Highlights the influence of Timurid architecture, art, and culture in shaping the cultural heritage of the region.