The period of Middle Eastern history between the collapse of the Mongol llkhanate in 1335 and the rise of Timur (Tamerlane) at the end of the 14th century is commonly seen as a time of political breakdown and disorder. This book helps to make sense of this confusing period by tracing continuities through the history of the Jalayirid tribe, whose members founded a dynasty and claimed to be the rightful heirs of the Chinggisid Mongols. The story of how the Jalayirids came to power is illustrative of the political dynamics that shaped much of the Mongol and post-Mongol period in the Middle East.