Nader Shah’s Deadliest Battlefield Trick

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Kings and Generals animated historical series on the history of early modern period, Iranian and Muslim empires continues with a video on the rise of Nader Shah during the late stages of the Safavid empire. Nader Shah’s climb isn’t just a story of battlefield brilliance—it’s a masterclass in turning chaos into power. In 1729, with Iran shattered by famine, disease, and Afghan occupation, Nader pivots from securing the east to ripping the invaders out of the Safavid heartland. You’ll follow the campaign toward Isfahan, beginning with Ashraf Hotaki’s push into Khorasan and the decisive Battle of Mehmandost, where Nader’s disciplined musketeers, artillery, and a calculated “retreat” shatter a larger cavalry-heavy army. After outmaneuvering an ambush near Varamin, Nader meets Ashraf again at Murche-Khort—then marches into Isfahan as the capital rejoices at the return of Safavid rule. But victory creates new problems: Nader leverages fatigue and politics to extract provinces, taxes, and royal marriages, transforming himself from commander into powerbroker. The war then shifts west against the Ottomans, culminating in Malayer Valley and the recapture of key cities. Finally, rebellion in the east sparks another Herat campaign—setting the stage for Nader’s decisive move: removing Tahmasp and ruling as regent over the infant Abbas III.

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