Nomads versus Empires: Why the Steppe Has Always Been Free

Have you ever wondered who the steppe people are?

Have you ever wondered why steppe people, such as Kazakhs, Kipchaks, or Mongols, hold a special place in history? Admit it, it's quite interesting: against the backdrop of great empires, they always stood out with their unique culture and way of life. I recently read an article about this and realized how little we know about the true life of nomads. Unlike sedentary peoples, steppe people preferred vast spaces and freedom, not feeling the need for fortresses or cities. This is precisely where their paradox lies – they were independent and strong, despite their apparent vulnerability.

Let's figure out how they managed to win

How did they do it without fortresses and walls?

Honestly, this has always seemed like a mystery to me. Imagine nomads who did not build cities or erect walls, standing against powerful empires with their fortresses and armies. How did they manage it? It seems the answer lies in their way of life. Their mobility and ability to quickly adapt to changes in the environment made them almost elusive. They could quickly move over long distances, launch sudden attacks, and just as quickly disappear, leaving the enemy bewildered. By the way, it reminds me of the saying that "the best attack is surprise."

What was their strength and where were they vulnerable?

If you think about it, they had another great advantage - collectivism. While great empires often faced internal conflicts, nomads knew how to act together. Perhaps it was thanks to this that they could easily overcome enemies. But, of course, they had their weaknesses too. Dependence on external markets and splits between khans sometimes proved fatal for them.

As one famous historian said, "the strength of nomads lay in their unity, but also their weakness in their disunity."

What can this teach us today?

These reflections on nomads make us think about our modern dilemmas. The eternal struggle between freedom and the system seems to never disappear. We will always choose between stability and independence. By the way, I recently discussed this with someone, and he asked me an interesting question: "What is more important - freedom or security?" I think this is the essence of our choice. Perhaps this is why the stories of the steppe people inspire us today: they remind us that true freedom is not just the absence of walls, but the ability to act together and adapt to changes while remaining true to our ideals.