War Between Tokhtamysh and Timur, 1386–1395

Timeline

1. 1386Tabriz · TabrizTokhtamysh and Timur fell out over tribute, trade routes, and control of the Caucasus. In 1386 Tokhtamysh led Golden Horde forces west, sacking Azerbaijani cities including Tabriz and openly challenging Timur's rule in northwestern Iran; the war thus began.
2. 1387–1391Upper Volga—North Caspian coast · Golden HordeAfter returning from the east, Timur organized his first large-scale northern campaign, penetrating deep into the Golden Horde's heartland, striking Tokhtamysh's supply lines and tributary towns, and forcing a temporary retreat, though he failed to destroy the Golden Horde's central regime in one blow.
3. 1391–1394Northern Caucasus foothills—North Caspian steppe · North CaucasusAfter Timur's first northern campaign, Tokhtamysh launched another offensive, and the two sides fought repeatedly along the northern slopes of the Caucasus and the north Caspian coast. Timur consolidated his rear in Iran and the Caucasus while preparing a larger, decisive expedition.
4. 1395Sarai (Golden Horde capital) and the Terek River · Golden HordeIn 1395 Timur launched a decisive expedition: first destroying Astrakhan, then sacking and burning Sarai, the Golden Horde capital, and finally defeating Tokhtamysh's main force on the Terek River. The Golden Horde's central authority collapsed, Tokhtamysh went into exile, and the war ended in Timur's decisive victory.