num_pages: 19
description: Listening Length: 18 hours and 15 minutesThe word barbarian quickly conjures images of Attila the Hun and Genghis Khan. Yet few people realize these men belong to a succession of nomadic warriors who emerged from the Eurasian steppes to conquer civilizations. It's a part of ancient and medieval history that's often overlooked but for an accurate view of how the world evolved it's essential.Covering some 6000 miles and 6000 years this eye-opening course illuminates how a series of groups - from the Sacae and Sarmatians to the infamous Huns and Mongols - pushed ever westward coming into contact with the Roman Empire Han China and distant cultures from Iraq to India.Along the way you'll learn how these nomads caused a domino effect of displacement and cultural exchange; meet fascinating figures such as Tamerlane the Prince of Destruction; witness struggles to control the legendary Silk Road; trace the spread of Buddhism and Islam and more.By looking past the barbarian stereotype you'll understand who these people were the significance of their innovations - which include stirrups saddles and gunpowder - and the magnitude of their impact. Of course these warriors did wage campaigns of terror and you'll hear many accounts of violence as well.Led by an award-winning professor these 36 lectures provide new insights on how the world was shaped and introduce you to cultures and empires you've likely never encountered.
language: English
title: The Barbarian Empires of the Steppes
publisher: The Teaching Company