Climate change caused the demise of Central Asia’s medieval civilizations, study finds
A new study challenges the long-held view that the destruction of Central Asia’s medieval river civilizations was a direct result of the Mongol invasion in the early 13th century.
Bad Bread, Big Wines, and Plenty of Meat: A Culinary Tour in the Year 1404
When Ruy González de Clavijo travelled to Samarkand in the early 15th century, he would experience a wonderful new world of foods.
Genetic study reveals insights into the Mongol Empire and the ancient Steppe
Genome-wide analysis spanning 6,000 years in the Eurasian Steppe gives insights to the formation of Mongolia’s empires.
Medieval artefacts to be returned to Uzbekistan after smuggling attempt
The British government will be returning rate medieval tiles – dating to the 13th or 14th century – which had been smuggled out of Uzbekistan.
A pet cat on the Silk Road
It is rare for archaeologists to come across the remains of a buried cat – to find one along the medieval Silk Road is even rarer.
‘Genghis Khan’s Wall’ was not built to defend against Genghis Khan, archaeologists find
‘The Northern Line’ spans 737 km across the Mongolian Steppe, home of nomadic tribes. It was built between the 11th and 13th centuries AD.
The Battle of Talas
How did the armies of the Abbasid Caliphate and the Tang Dynasty, two empires that were worlds apart, meet in Central Asia?
Thousand-year-old cemetery uncovered in Uzbekistan
Radiocarbon dating (ca 1000–1100 AD) placed this cemetery in the High Medieval period and was likely associated with the nearby tepa.
Failed engineering project doomed medieval Cambodian capital, study finds
The largest water management feature in Khmer history was built in the 10th century as part of a short-lived medieval capital in northern Cambodia to store water but the system failed in its first year of operation, possibly leading to the return of the capital to Angkor.
The slave who founded an empire: The story of Alp Tegin
In the tenth century Alp Tegin would find himself serving as a slave soldier for one empire. He would rise through the ranks, and get to the heights of political power. When his fortunes turned, he would embark on a campaign to create his own empire.
The Geopolitics on the Silk Road: Resurveying the Relationship of the Western Türks with Byzantium through Their Diplomatic Communications
These empires attempted to take advantage of the newly shaped situation arising after such great movements strategically, each in their own interest. How did they achieve their goals and what problems were they confronted with?
The Assassination of Ahmad Ibn Ismail: Power Struggles in the Samanid Empire
The emir Ahmad ibn Ismail was assassinated in the year 914. This is the story of why he was killed and the power struggle that took place in the aftermath of his death.
How the borders within Southeast Asia changed during the Middle Ages
Looking at the development of empires, kingdoms and states in Southeast Asia during the Middle Ages. Here are seven videos that explain the changing borders.
Singapore in the 14th century
This presentation aims to arouse curiosity and questions about Singapore’s history by providing an overview of early Singapore’s connections with the region and beyond.
The Shortcomings of the Mongol Art of War as seen in China, Korea and Eastern Europe
This paper will briefly discuss the nature of the Mongol armies and some of their successes before exploring their shortcomings in a select number of regions
Medieval tower in Afghanistan collapses
One of the medieval towers in the Afghan city of Ghazni has collapsed, with video footage showing its dramatic fall.
Archaeologists unearth more thousand-year old mysterious jars in Laos
Australian archaeologists have discovered 15 new sites in Laos containing more than one hundred 1000-year-old massive stone jars possibly used for the dead.
The fall of the Angkor was gradual, not dramatic, researchers find
It has long been believed that the medieval Cambodian city of Angkor had an abrupt collapse. Researchers from the University of Sydney believe that it underwent a gradual decline.
The Turks: The Medieval World’s Most Martial People
They were scouts, raiders, skirmishers, heavy cavalry, and shock cavalry all in one; and could operate as infantry as well if the need arose.
The Look of Medieval Ethnography: William of Rubruck’s Mission to Mongolia
Reads William of Rubruck’s mission to Asia as an instance of premodern ethnographic representation and the shape of the precolonial European ethnographic gaze upon Asia.
The Vigilante Empire: The Pinnacle of Saffarid Power and the Dynasty’s Fall from Grace
As Yaqub ibn Layth gained power and followers, his ambitions grew, ultimately leading to a confrontation with the Abbasid Caliphate.
The Coppersmith Vigilante: The Rise of the Saffarids
During the ninth century a simple craftsmen would take up arms, hoping to put an end to the warfare and violence plaguing his corner of the world. In the first part of the story of Saffarid Dynasty, Adam Ali tells the story of coppersmith who would form an empire and challenge the rulers of Baghdad.
Medieval city of Koh Ker may have been inhabited for centuries, study finds
Ecological data reveals urban populations lasted long after royal abandonment of the Khmer city in the 10th century.
A shipwreck and an 800-year-old ‘made in China’ label reveal lost history
Centuries ago, a ship sank in the Java Sea off the coast of Indonesia. The wooden hull disintegrated over time, leaving only a treasure trove of cargo.