Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The horse and the rise of empires

 

 Title of the book: Raiders, Rulers and Traders; the horse and the rise of empires 

Author: David Chaffetz

Publisher: W.W. Norton 

Publishing Date: 2024 

ISBN: 978-1-324-05146-6

Summary:

A captivating history of civilization that reveals the central role of the horse in culture, commerce, and conquest. No animal is so entangled in human history as the horse. The thread starts in prehistory, with a small, shy animal, hunted for food. Over time, the domestication of horses, followed by the advent of riding, powered mighty Persian, Mongol, Mughal. For more than two millennia, from Iran and Afghanistan to China, India, and, later, Russia, the deep and ancient bond between humans and their horses connected a vast continent, forged trade routes, linked cultures, and fueled war machines. Scholar of Asian history David Chaffetz tells the story of the steppe raiders, rulers, and traders who amassed power and wealth on horseback from the Bronze Age through the twentieth century. Drawing on a wealth of primary sources―in Persian, Turkish, Russian, and Chinese―Chaffetz presents a groundbreaking new view of what has been known as the “Silk Road,” and a lively history of the great horse empires that shaped civilization. 30 illustrations

Author Info:
( From goodreads)

N/A

Personal Opinion:

My dear book, where were you for the last 30 for so years of my life? I have read plenty of historical non fiction and a lot of times I definitely had one or another issues with them. This is one of the rare books that I had no issues with. Engaging narrative? Oh yes. Maps in almost every chapter helping the novice? Oh double yes. Discussion of something as fascinating as world that readers don't have a chance to study? Oh triple yes. While the arguments are very compelling " No animal has had as profound an impact on human history as the horse," (page xiv) and there is highly compelling evidence in the book, I would like to mention that the focus will not be on western Europe but instead will be on Eastern Europe, Middle East, China and India, so the areas outside of ones I mentioned, the horse had little to no impact. ( There are some mention of horses in North America and Western Europe and Medieval Ages.) But I am of opinion that it's a history driven narrative. Whether you're a horse fan or Silk Road afficianodo or are seeking history that is ignored or not talked about in USA, then you will highly enjoy RAIDERS, RULERS AND TRADERS. 

This was given for review 

5 out of 5
(0: Stay away unless a masochist 1: Good for insomnia 2: Horrible but readable; 3: Readable and quickly forgettable, 4: Good, enjoyable 5: Buy it, keep it and never let it go.)