The Yuezhi. Origin, Migration and the Conquest of Northern Bactria: 14 (Silk Road Studies) - Softcover

Benjamin, Dr Craig

9782503524290: The Yuezhi. Origin, Migration and the Conquest of Northern Bactria: 14 (Silk Road Studies)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 250352429X ISBN 13: 9782503524290

Publisher: Brepols Publishers, 2007

This book provides a detailed narrative history of the dynasty and confederation of the Yuezhi, whose migration from western China to the northern border of present-day Afghanistan resulted ultimately in the creation of the Kushan Empire. Although the Yuezhi have long been recognised as the probable ancestors of the Kushans, they have generally only been considered as a prelude to the principal subject of Kushan history, rather than as a significant and influential people in their own right. The evidence seemed limited and ambiguous, but is actually surprisingly extensive and detailed and certainly sufficient to compile a comprehensive chronological political history of the Yuezhi during the first millennium BCE. The book analyses textual, numismatic and archaeological evidence in an attempt to explain the probable origin of the Yuezhi, their relationship with several Chinese dynasties, their eventual military defeat and expulsion from the Gansu by the Xiongnu, their migration through the Ili Valley, Ferghana and Sogdia to northern Bactria, and their role in the conquest of the former Greco-Bactria state. All of these events were bound up with broader cultural and political developments in ancient Central Asia and show the extraordinary interconnectedness of the Eurasian historical processes. The domino-effect of the migration of the Yuezhi led to significant changes in the broader Eurasian polity.

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About the Author:

Sandra Benjamin was born in Troy, New York, and moved to New York City when she was sixteen. After earning a doctorate in economics at the New School for Social Research, she began moving around Europe, learning a few of its languages. Along the way she acquired a love for southern Italy. Reflecting her interest in the area, ten years ago she published "The World of Benjamin of Tudela: A Medieval Mediterranean Travelogue." Since then she has spent much of her time in Sicily. Always fascinated by the varied ethnic groups of New York City, she was similarly attracted by the diversity of peoples who became part of the fabric of Sicily.

Craig Benjamin is an Associate Professor of History at Frederik J. Meijer Honors College, Grand Valley State University, Michigan, USA. At GVSU, he teaches Big History, world history, and East and Central Asian history, to students at all levels, from first-year to postgraduate. He is a frequent guest presenter at conferences worldwide, and the author of numerous published books, chapters and essays on ancient Central Asian history, Big History, and world history. He is co-author (with David Christian and Cynthia Brown) of a Big History textbook Big History: Between Nothing and Everything (2013). Benjamin has recorded several programs and lecture series for The History Channel, The Teaching Company and Scientific American magazine. He is also a member of the College Board Test Development Committees for both the AP and SAT World History exams; Treasurer of the International Big History Association; and current President (2014/15) of the World History Association.

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