The Eurasian Steppe

Abstract

Tells the story of the Eurasian steppe, from legends of Amazons and Gog and Magog to its effects on Europe in the 21st century Shows how the history, languages, ideas, art forms, peoples, nations and identities of the steppe have shaped almost every aspect of the life of Europe Explores the history of steppe peoples, from the Scythians to the Mongols, with discussion of both earlier and later movements Looks at the art of the steppe, from animal style to avant-garde, and explores how Scythian art influenced Chinese, Persian, Anatolian, Greek and Russian art Draws on historical, archaeological and art-historical sources to build a picture of life on the steppe from prehistory to the present Read an extract from chapter 6, Scythian Gold, on the Edinburgh University Press blog 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. "