Timur, a formidable conqueror who made Samarkand the capital of his empire, is associated with another of the city’s most captivating monuments. The Gur-e-Amir mausoleum (pictured) has housed the tomb of Timur since his death in 1405, as well as those of some of his sons and grandsons.

One of the grandsons to share Timur’s final resting place is Ulugh Beg, a former sultan and astronomer, who also has an observatory in the city named after him.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Now check out the world's amazing ancient feats of engineering

Which incredible UK sights made our list of the world's wonders?