The first steppe empire and its importance in the history of Eurasia

HOLOTOVA-SZINEK, J.: The first steppe empire and its importance in the history of Eurasia. Histo-ricky casopis, 54, 1, 2006, pp. 25 - 44. At the end of the 3rd century BC, the semi-nomadic tribal union of the Siung-nu, formerly also called the Eastern Huns, formed the first steppe empire. Numerous cemeteries and fortresses in the territories of modern Mongolia, Russia and China are evidence of the vast territorial extent of this great power and its well-developcd foreign relations. Special chapters of various Chinese historical Sources are devoted to the Siung-nu as a feared enemy or strong ally of the Flan Empire. On the basis of accessible information, I have attempted to describe the history of the first steppe empire and uncover the causes of its origin and its Sudden disintegration. The economic basis of this tribal union was nomadic pastoralism, but hunting, agriculture and metal-working were also significant. Trade also had special importance, because the commercial network of the Siung-nu extended from China through the whole of Central Asia. The mature social organization of the empire also developed from this way of life. The oldest steppe empire was a model for the Huns and other tribal Unions, Which influenced the history of Central Europe as bearers of this unique Culture, History. General history. The first steppe empire and it,; importance in the history of Eurasia.