Christian includes early Rus’ principalities, but not as “Europe.” Instead, he shows how Kiev, Novgorod, and Vladimir were —sometimes paying tribute to steppe powers (Khazars, then Mongols), sometimes absorbing Inner Eurasian techniques of tribute and mobilization. This explains why Muscovy later became a hybrid steppe-sedentary empire.
The narrative shifts to the "classic" era of powerful steppe confederations. It details the rise and fall of the Scythians , Huns , Xiongnu , and Turks , who frequently raided or collected tribute from their farming neighbors. It also charts the emergence of the Rus , the society that eventually evolved into modern Russia and Ukraine. The Climax: The Mongol Empire A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia, Volume I Christian includes early Rus’ principalities, but not as