New Books in Archaeology Bryan K. Miller, "Xiongnu: The World's First Nomadic Empire" (Oxford UP, 2024)
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May 1, 2024 Bryan K. Miller, an expert in the archaeology and history of the Xiongnu empire, discusses his book detailing the fascinating rise and decline of this first nomadic empire. He emphasizes the structured nature and cultural significance of the Xiongnu, challenging traditional views of nomadic chaos. Through engaging narratives, he illustrates the empire's resilience, its innovative political structures, and the interconnectedness of ancient networks. Miller's insights illuminate the complex legacy of the Xiongnu and their impact on historical narratives.
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Xiongnu Power in Peace Oath
- The Xiongnu peace treaty ceremony shows them as powerful, not submissive to the Han.
- This flips the traditional narrative of Xiongnu decline at that point, revealing a more complex story.
Material Evidence Unveils Networks
- Combining archaeology and history reveals a richer, more accurate narrative of the Xiongnu.
- Small artifacts like a marked ankle bone can hold insights into political participation and social networks.
Discovery of the Xiongnu Ankle Bone
- Bryan K. Miller discovered a massive royal Xiongnu cemetery by chance during his first fieldwork in Mongolia.
- The first significant find was a child's grave with marked ankle bones, sparking his lifelong research interest.