A geographic overview of Central Asia's extreme climates, from mountains to steppes. Learn about nomadic and agricultural societies, their ways of life, and historical interactions.

Explore the Scythians' nomadic lifestyle, their excavated burial mounds with spectacular grave goods, and archaeological findings confirming Herodotus's accounts.

The Eurasian steppe's history unfolds at the interface of nomadic tribes and sedentary civilizations. Track incursions by Persian, Greco-Bactrian, Kushan, and Han Dynasties, creating a cultural fusion.

Religion fuses cultures in early Central Asia. Trace Zoroastrianism, Buddhism's trade role, and Nestorian Christianity's entry into Central Asia and China.

Explore the Xiongnu's rise, their defeat of the Han, and eventual vassalage. Learn about luxury goods, animal art, and nomadic religious beliefs and practices.

Trace Turkic nomadic origins, the Turkic khaganate's rise (linking Europe-China), and the Uyghur khaganate's emergence, focusing on Manichaeism and impressive cities.