States and Civilizations of Eurasia: The Caucasus and Central Asia
Explore the diverse political, social, and cultural histories of the Caucasus and Central Asia regions.
The Caucasus and Central Asia are diverse ancient regions on the crossroads between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; they weave cultural elements from many civilizations into intricate tapestries, like their celebrated rugs.
Today, the Caucasus consists of Armenia, the world's first Christian nation; Georgia; Azerbaijan; and autonomous republics within Russia populated by Indigenous peoples along with descendants of Great Eurasian migrations.
Central Asia is home to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, countries formed on the remnants of the great Bronze Age Oxus Civilization, the Golden Age of 800-1100, and the spectacular artistic and architectural Timurid Renaissance that influenced the rest of the world.
This class will illuminate the political, social, and cultural history of these regions, from Zoroastrianism and Shamanist to Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam, from their acme moments to the present day.