Nader Shah
1688–1747 · Persian · Afsharid Dynasty
Known for: 'Napoleon of Persia'—reunified Iran and seized the Mughal Empire's Peacock Throne and Koh-i-Noor diamond
Nader Shah rose from humble origins to become Persia's greatest military commander since antiquity. He reunified Iran, drove out the Afghans and Ottomans, and then invaded the Mughal Empire, sacking Delhi in 1739 and seizing the Peacock Throne and the Koh-i-Noor diamond—the greatest plunder in military history.
He was one of history's greatest commanders, winning virtually every engagement through speed, innovation, and personal bravery. However, he became increasingly paranoid and cruel in later years, blinding his own son and massacring populations. He was assassinated by his own guards in 1747.
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