The Battle of Ankara took place in 1402, where Timur, also known as Tamerlane, led the Timurid Empire's forces against the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. Timur's army was primarily composed of cavalry, which had been a hallmark of his military strategy. Bayezid's forces attempted to establish their dominance in Anatolia, having recently expanded their territory. The battle occurred near Ankara, a strategic city that would serve as a crucial point of contention between these two powerful leaders.

Timur and his army employed innovative strategies, including deception and rapid troop movements to outmaneuver Bayezid’s forces. Despite being outnumbered, Timur's cavalry executed flanking maneuvers that exploited weaknesses in the Ottoman formation. During the intense fighting, Bayezid was captured, leading to a significant shift in the balance of power in the region. This defeat was especially critical for the Ottomans, as it halted their expansion and reignited instability within their empire.

After the battle, the captured Sultan Bayezid I was reportedly placed in an iron cage, a sign of Timur's disregard for his rival. The fallout from the battle resulted in a fragmented Ottoman Empire, as various factions and regions jostled for control in the absence of strong leadership. Over the subsequent years, the Timurid victory at Ankara would influence the political landscape, allowing for Turkish tribes to gain prominence and ultimately leading to the emergence of the Ottoman resurgence later in the 15th century.