Tamerlane’s empire spanned Central Asia and large parts of the Middle East. Much like the Ilkhans before, his adversaries included the Golden Horde and the expanding Ottoman Empire. Additionally, the Mamluk state in Egypt lay to the southwest, and China was to the far east, which likewise limited Tamerlane’s actions. While the existing political entities in Hindustan posed a lesser threat, this geographic area still required Tamerlane’s attention. Surrounded by several powerful forces, the Central Asian warlord found himself engaged in continuous military campaigns throughout his lengthy reign.