The Eurasian Steppe: People, Movement, Ideas

A geographical area, not a political entity, the steppe connects the western and eastern parts of the Eurasian land mass. As such, it is always open, subject to constant movement between Asia and Europe. Steppe peoples such as Huns, Avars and Turks changed the course of European history, while others such as Finns, Magyars and Bulgars form European nations. The steppe saw the world's only Jewish Empire, while the Mongols conquered an empire from the Pacific to the Mediterranean. Indeed, Europe's largest nation, Russia, was formed from the fusion of Eurasian nomadic and European sedentary elements. The peculiar nature of the steppe has resulted in peoples originating in parts of Asia now forming a permanent part of the European community, and that movement has affected European history and identity since earliest times. Warwick Ball tells the story of that movement from prehistory to the present. From nomadic peoples to conquering empires, from tales of Amazon women to art nouveau, and from golden grave goods to the formation of countries that still exist today, you'll discover how the steppe has continually shaped Europe's destiny. Ultimately, Ball shows that the steppe and the movement of peoples across it are so crucial that they question the very idea of 'Europe' as a separate cultural and historical construct.