The Horse, the Wheel, and Language

How Bronze-Age Riders from the Eurasian Steppes Shaped the Modern World

De: David W. Anthony

Narrado por: Tom Perkins

Roughly half the world's population speaks languages derived from a shared linguistic source known as Proto-Indo-European. But who were the early speakers of this ancient mother tongue, and how did they manage to spread it around the globe? 

Until now, their identity has remained a tantalizing mystery to linguists, archaeologists, and even Nazis seeking the roots of the Aryan race. The Horse, the Wheel, and Language lifts the veil that has long shrouded these original Indo-European speakers and reveals how their domestication of horses and use of the wheel spread language and transformed civilization.  

Linking prehistoric archaeological remains with the development of language, David W. Anthony identifies the prehistoric peoples of Central Eurasia's steppe grasslands as the original speakers of Proto-Indo-European and shows how their innovative use of the ox wagon, horseback riding, and the warrior's chariot turned the Eurasian steppes into a thriving transcontinental corridor of communication, commerce, and cultural exchange. 

He explains how they spread their traditions and gave rise to important advances in copper mining, warfare, and patron-client political institutions, thereby ushering in an era of vibrant social change. Anthony also describes his fascinating discovery of how the wear from bits on ancient horse teeth reveals the origins of horseback riding.  

The Horse, the Wheel, and Language solves a puzzle that has vexed scholars for two centuries - the source of the Indo-European languages and English - and recovers a magnificent and influential civilization from the past.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio. 

©2007 Princeton University Press (P)2018 Tantor

A text book, not genteel history

I was hoping for an understandable progressive history of the that area called the Steppe. The detail of sound progressions, anthropology of tine villages and an astounding medley of minutia made it beyond understanding. he man is clearly bright & deeply involved, but the immensity of detail buried the message.

Convincing, but with more details than I asked for

Very interesting story. Many questions answered. Very broad and convincing, but maybe one or two descriptions of graves could have been left out.

The World of Indo-European

The concept of Indo-European linguistic group seemed illusion to me. Now, I think this theory is full of evidence which is convincing. As the one who live in Ural-Altaic world, I hoped what kind of connections be made between these two groups. Unfortunately, the author did not provide that answer. Based on African-origin human foundation, there has to be our common tongue that makes our humanity as one entity. Our world need cooperation, peace, and prosperity more than ever. I expect much developed version of linguistic group theory.

Mind blowing

The topic is fascinating. The text is approachable. I recommend it to anyone with smilest interest in history. It changes a lot.

Very dry, but informative

Audible is now requiring text reviews if you want to leave a star review. I don't know about you, but I make star reviews to remind myself which authors and narrators I do and don't like. I don't like being required to leave a text review. I hope Audible fixes this soon.