Early Modern Era
Safavid Empire
1501 AD – 1736 AD · peak 1620 AD
The Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) established Twelver Shia Islam as the official religion of Persia, defining a distinct national identity. Under Shah Abbas I (r. 1587–1629), the capital Isfahan became a center of global trade and architectural synthesis. The empire declined due to administrative corruption and constant warfare with the Ottomans, eventually falling to Afghan invaders in 1722.
Capital: Isfahan
Key figures
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Hanseatic League (1200 AD – 1600 AD)
- Cape Route (1500 AD – 1869 AD)
- Manila Galleon (1565 AD – 1815 AD)
- Atlantic Triangular Trade (1600 AD – 1808 AD)
- Tea Clipper Route (1720 AD – 1900 AD)