Why read Empires of the Silk Road?

Book cover of Empires of the Silk Road: A History of Central Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the Present

Book description

The first complete history of Central Eurasia from ancient times to the present day, Empires of the Silk Road represents a fundamental rethinking of the origins, history, and significance of this major world region. Christopher Beckwith describes the rise and fall of the great Central Eurasian empires, including those of…

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European history

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Why read it?

1 author picked Empires of the Silk Road as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

David Austin Beck

Author

While only one chapter of Empires of the Silk Road is dedicated to the Scythians, this book is a compelling introduction to Central Eurasian peoples throughout history. Beckwith’s work stabs right at the heart of ancient and modern writings that frame the Scythians and other nomadic peoples within a pejorative “barbarian” framework. More than that, he explores how societies such as the Scythians viewed themselves, which differs greatly from other approaches, which use them only as a foil to more sedentary peoples.

From David's list on understanding the Scythians.