The Cambridge History of Early Inner Asia

This volume introduces the geographical setting of Central Asia and follows its history from the palaeolithic era to the rise of the Mongol empire in the thirteenth century. From earliest times, Central Asia linked and separated the great sedentary civilisations of Europe and Asia. In the pre-modern period, 'Inner Asia' could be defined more as a cultural than a geographical entity, its frontiers shifting according to the changing balance of power. Written by distinguished international scholars who have pioneered the exploration of Central Asia's poorly documented past, this volume provides a chronological analysis of the variety of societies and cultures that developed in this region.