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. 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, Ball shows how the steppe has continually shaped Europe’s destiny. Ultimately, he 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.\nFrom the Back Cover\nFrom legends of Amazons and Gog and Magog to the emergence of modern Europe’s superpower, the open steppe has continually shaped Europe’s destiny. A geographical entity, not a political one, it 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. 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. Taking a panoramic view, he challenges our ideas of what we think of as ‘Europe’ and ‘European’ identity. Warwick Ball is a Near Eastern archaeologist and author who spent over 20 years carrying out excavations, architectural studies and monumental restoration throughout the Middle East and adjacent regions.