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The History of Central Asia

The Age of the Steppe Warriors (Volume 1)
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( 52 ratings, 6 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The History of Central Asia by Christoph Baumer explores the expansive and intricate tapestry of Central Asia's development, detailing its vast ancient empires, cultural exchanges, and significant historical events. The book delves into the region’s diverse peoples, their interactions, and the pivotal role Central Asia has played as a crossroads of civilisation, emphasising its impact on global history through trade, conquests, and cultural diffusion.
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Format: Hardback
$19800
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by the rich and diverse heritage of Central Asia, its empires, and its critical role in the development of the Silk Road. You will enjoy the comprehensive exploration of its cultural and political history, beautifully illustrated with maps and images that bring the past to life.

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The epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations. This work charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas across the steppes; and, the breathless and brutal conquests of Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan.

The epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations. This work charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas across the steppes; and, the breathless and brutal conquests of Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The epic plains and arid deserts of Central Asia have witnessed some of the greatest migrations, as well as many of the most transformative developments, in the history of civilisation. The History of Central Asia by Christoph Baumer is an ambitious four-volume treatment of the region that charts the 3000-year drama of Scythians and Sarmatians; Soviets and transcontinental Silk Roads; trade routes and the transmission of ideas across the steppes; and the breathless and brutal conquests of Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan.

Masterfully interweaving the stories of individuals and peoples, the author's engaging prose is richly augmented throughout by colour photographs taken on his own travels. For all the complexity of the history, Dr Baumer, a noted authority on Central Asia, never loses sight of the sweeping grandeur of its overall setting.

Volume 1 focuses on the geography of the area now occupied by present-day Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, northern Afghanistan, western and central Mongolia, and parts of southern Russia and northern China. Discussing the changing climates of the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Ages, the author explores subjects as diverse as glacial retreat; the invention of the wheel; the legendary Cimmerians and Amazons; Hellenism and Zoroastrianism; and the Oxus Treasure.

Future volumes will explore the later historical periods of the region.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The book is praised for its impressive breadth and depth, showcasing Dr Baumer's extensive knowledge and experience in Central Asia. Reviewers appreciate his engaging writing style and his unique insights, such as drawing parallels between Central Asian legends and Western myths. The inclusion of "excursuses" on diverse topics adds to its richness. Overall, it is considered a comprehensive and valuable contribution to the study of Central Asia.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781780760605

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 12 November 2012

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: I.B. Tauris

Illustration: 262 colour illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 246.0mm

Height: 292.0mm

Weight: 2060g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Christoph Baumer - a leading explorer and historian of Central Asia, Tibet and China - has written several well-received books in the fields of history, religion, archaeology and travel. These include The Church of the East: An Illustrated History of Assyrian Christianity (2006), Traces in the Desert: Journeys of Discovery across Central Asia (2008) and China's Holy Mountain: An Illustrated Journey into the Heart of Buddhism (2011), all published by I.B.Tauris. Dr Baumer is President of the Society for the Exploration of EurAsia and a member of the Explorer's Club, New York, and the Royal Asiatic Society and the Royal Geographical Society, London.

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