Great read:) I think if there’s one common thread in history and prehistory that immediately comes to mind, it’s the robust influence of steppe nomads like the Scythians and Turks on the settled societies they traded and warred with. Probably even before recorded history with cultures like the Sintashta influencing the farming cultures of India, etc.
I’m not very well read on it but I also think in the US Southeast the native tribes influenced the Scots Irish settlers of Appalachia quite a bit
The Turks in particular are very much on my radar right now. Their migration across Eurasia was monumental, and it came to shape modern history in the middle east, northern Africa, Europe, and Asia profoundly. And, that's not even considering 2nd order effects!
Yeah they are Súper interesting. Unpacking the various cultures of the Eurasian steppe is pretty vital to understanding the shape of our world. Horse nomads are movers in history
I thought let me see what ChatGPT has to say about it:
Mongol Influence on Russia: The Mongol Empire's Golden Horde ruled over Russia for several centuries, influencing the development of the Russian state and its military tactics.
The Moors in Spain: For over 700 years, the Moors (Muslims from North Africa) ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish language, architecture, and culture.
Norman Conquest of England: The Normans, originally Viking settlers in France, conquered England in 1066. This led to major changes in the English language, governance, and culture.
Persian Influence on Islamic Culture: After the Arab conquest of Persia, the Persian culture greatly influenced the Islamic world, contributing to literature, art, and administration.
The Columbian Exchange: After Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas, there was a widespread exchange of plants, animals, cultures, and ideas between the Old World and the New World.
Chinese Influence on Japan: Throughout history, Japan has absorbed various aspects of Chinese culture, including Buddhism, Confucianism, the Chinese writing system, and government bureaucracy.
Hellenistic Influence on Indian Art: The conquests of Alexander the Great led to the establishment of the Hellenistic-influenced Greco-Buddhist art style in regions of India.
African Slaves' Influence on American Culture: Enslaved Africans brought to America contributed greatly to the cultural and musical landscape of the United States with their traditions and rhythms.
The Manchu Qing Dynasty in China: The Manchu people, from the northeast, established the Qing Dynasty in China and influenced the politics, culture, and even the clothing (e.g., the queue hairstyle) of the Han majority.
Indian Influence on Southeast Asia: Indian traders and religious leaders brought Hinduism and Buddhism to Southeast Asia, deeply influencing the cultures of modern-day Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.
Good book. It almost portays GK as a benevolent leader. Definitely a different spin than previous readings ( no accurate illustrations of him exist exist; he was the offspring of nomadic tribes ). Violence done to him - repaid tenfold. His legacies literally a power in Russia until Stalin ( if I recall correctly).
"It paid quite well to boot."
Sounds exactly like my former job. Except it was someone else who got paid quite well to give me the boot. *cries profusely*
What are you talking aboot?!?
You can't teach an old boot new kicks.
I'm kicking myself for not thinking of this one first.
Great read:) I think if there’s one common thread in history and prehistory that immediately comes to mind, it’s the robust influence of steppe nomads like the Scythians and Turks on the settled societies they traded and warred with. Probably even before recorded history with cultures like the Sintashta influencing the farming cultures of India, etc.
I’m not very well read on it but I also think in the US Southeast the native tribes influenced the Scots Irish settlers of Appalachia quite a bit
The Turks in particular are very much on my radar right now. Their migration across Eurasia was monumental, and it came to shape modern history in the middle east, northern Africa, Europe, and Asia profoundly. And, that's not even considering 2nd order effects!
Yeah they are Súper interesting. Unpacking the various cultures of the Eurasian steppe is pretty vital to understanding the shape of our world. Horse nomads are movers in history
Gimme some time: I'll write about them too, and we can have a deeper conversation about migrating herdsmen!
How about the influence of Genghis Khan's invasion on Eurasia culture and trade?
I have not read the below book (Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World) but I have heard a lot about it:
https://www.amazon.com/Genghis-Khan-Making-Modern-World/dp/B0038NLWQ2/ref=sr_1_3?crid=11BFF28CCRZOG&keywords=Genghis+Khan&qid=1706722191&s=books&sprefix=genghis+khan%2Cstripbooks%2C62&sr=1-3
I've read it! It's good.
Yes, definitely to the Mongols. You might say they were the prototype of the thing we're talking about, or maybe the quintessence.
I thought let me see what ChatGPT has to say about it:
Mongol Influence on Russia: The Mongol Empire's Golden Horde ruled over Russia for several centuries, influencing the development of the Russian state and its military tactics.
The Moors in Spain: For over 700 years, the Moors (Muslims from North Africa) ruled parts of the Iberian Peninsula, leaving a lasting impact on Spanish language, architecture, and culture.
Norman Conquest of England: The Normans, originally Viking settlers in France, conquered England in 1066. This led to major changes in the English language, governance, and culture.
Persian Influence on Islamic Culture: After the Arab conquest of Persia, the Persian culture greatly influenced the Islamic world, contributing to literature, art, and administration.
The Columbian Exchange: After Christopher Columbus's voyages to the Americas, there was a widespread exchange of plants, animals, cultures, and ideas between the Old World and the New World.
Chinese Influence on Japan: Throughout history, Japan has absorbed various aspects of Chinese culture, including Buddhism, Confucianism, the Chinese writing system, and government bureaucracy.
Hellenistic Influence on Indian Art: The conquests of Alexander the Great led to the establishment of the Hellenistic-influenced Greco-Buddhist art style in regions of India.
African Slaves' Influence on American Culture: Enslaved Africans brought to America contributed greatly to the cultural and musical landscape of the United States with their traditions and rhythms.
The Manchu Qing Dynasty in China: The Manchu people, from the northeast, established the Qing Dynasty in China and influenced the politics, culture, and even the clothing (e.g., the queue hairstyle) of the Han majority.
Indian Influence on Southeast Asia: Indian traders and religious leaders brought Hinduism and Buddhism to Southeast Asia, deeply influencing the cultures of modern-day Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia.
Good book. It almost portays GK as a benevolent leader. Definitely a different spin than previous readings ( no accurate illustrations of him exist exist; he was the offspring of nomadic tribes ). Violence done to him - repaid tenfold. His legacies literally a power in Russia until Stalin ( if I recall correctly).
I agree.
A quote from the book Furious Hours sums it up nicely:
History isn't what happened but what gets written down.
And what is written always shows the winner in the most favorable light possible.
Indeed, no one messed with the Varangian Guard... except the Bulgarians.
Another story for another day!
There are many examples one that is interesting in Britain and the Indian sub-continent.
Yes! Quite a clash of cultures, and quite an exchange of information.
Tasty tidbit for Warrior Wednesday! And for Readers/Writers Wednesday! Woohoo!