I'm writing an essay regarding Timur the Lame based off of the information in the book "Before European Hegemony," and I know what Timur was able to accomplish as far as empire expansion is concerned, and how he was able to gain power in the aftermath of the black death.
I'm just confused as to why what he did was significant. From my readings, it seems like attempted to re-establish Chingis Khan's former empire but just ended up massacring everyone instead.
Did anything historically significant come from his rule besides the fact that he just conquered a vast territory? Was he able to help re-establish trading routes or the economies that were ruined due to the epidemics?
based off of the information in the book "Before European Hegemony,"
What other resources have you consulted? You've run against the main reason it's not a great idea to use only one source when researching a question: you depend entirely on what that one author thinks is important about the subject, and how that author has interpreted the primary sources and earlier scholarship. Might I suggest picking up a book more focused on Timurlane or Central Asia, for some new information and an additional perspective to Abu-Lughod's particular version of a world historical view?
Yes Timur's legacy is overshadowed by death and destruction but legacy of his rule and conquests goes far beyond that:
First Mughal Emperor Babur was direct descendant of Timur who formed Mughal Empire of India which ruled large parts of Indian Subcontinent for over three centuries. Mughal rulers were greatly inspired by him and his conquests.
He was great patron of Arts & architecture, quality which also inspired his later Mughal descendants towards patronage of arts and architecture.
He virtually eliminated Church of the East or Nestorian Church which was largest Christian Church at one point.
His reign and subsequent era saw re-rise of Persian language and culture regardless of ethnicity when it became language of court and administration.
His reign saw rise and development of Chagatai Turkic language which became most popular language of Central Asia and would later play great influence in development of Hindustani language (Modern Urdu + Modern Hindi) in later era of Mughal Empire in North India. Today, Urdu and Hindi languages are lingua franca of Pakistan and North India.
Another Persian King known for his conquests Nader Shah was inspired by Timur and wanted to repeat his conquests.
His attack on Ottoman Empire caused great setback to Ottoman invasion of Eastern Europe.
He converted most of Borjigin (Imperial Clan of Genghis Khan and his successors) to Islam.
Though Muslim, he is vilified in some parts of Islamic world and considered a hero in others. Ibn Khaldun praises him for unifying Islamic world after destruction under Mongol invasion and Fall of Baghdad in 1258 and subsequent disintegration.
His armies were inclusive and multi-ethnic in nature which was rare for the period.