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The Barbarian Empires of the Steppes cover art

The Barbarian Empires of the Steppes

Written by: Kenneth W. Harl, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Kenneth W. Harl
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Publisher's Summary

The 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 6,000 miles and 6,000 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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Great Courses (P)2014 The Teaching Company, LLC

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Lacking in context and edited poorly.

This course I found lacking in detail to make it great. Many details and context are left out as to why anything happens. You get a lot of facts without any of the heart if the matter such as: this battle was won with amazing feats and luck and then have it move on yet it will have entire chapters on people's NOT of the steppes in hopes to provide context. It really makes me want more but never gives it. It also jumps in time all over the place and is quite frankly edited poorly. it seems as though there are takes that are edited together mid word and the speaker always goes from calm to very exited throughout each 30 minute lesson which makes it seem like there were many takes and doesnt flow well. With less than five hours left the mongols have only been mentioned once and it mentions ogedei which is after the enormous reign of ghengis. An entire section has been promised for the Mongols but so far I am still waiting for it.
I intend to finish and will edit if needed.

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The missing piece

Ties together several familiar histories and civilizations to help the listener understand the role of the Steppe highway in delivering the world into modernity. Kenneth does an incredible job.

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