Timur, known in the West as Tamerlane, began as a raider in 14th century Transoxiana and was left lame after arrows struck his hand and leg during a failed sheep theft. This episode explores how he built a loyal coalition, installed puppet khans to sidestep Genghisid law, and branded himself the Lord of the Conjunction.

We examine his undefeated 35-year military career, from flaming camels against war elephants in Delhi to the systematic terror of skull towers at Isfahan and Baghdad. We also explore the paradox of his patronage, as deported artisans built the splendor of Samarkand, and his divided legacy from villain to Uzbek national hero.

• The 1941 opening of his tomb and the eerie timing of Operation Barbarossa
• How Timur blended Mongol tradition and Islamic legitimacy to unify his armies
• The calculated logic behind his campaign of terror against rebellious cities
• How forced migration of craftsmen created the Timurid Renaissance in Samarkand
• How his attacks on the Golden Horde helped pave the way for Moscow’s rise