Nicola Di Cosmo Knihy

Military developments in Inner Asia lay at the basis of the rise of a number of Ancient and Early Modern Empires. This is the first scholarly work to embrace Inner Asian military history across a broad spatial and chronological spectrum, from the Turks and Uighurs to the Pechenegs, and from the Mongol invasion of Syria to the Manchu conquest of China. Based on previously unknown and until now underestimated sources, the contributors to this volume explore the context, development, and characteristic features of Inner Asian warfare, making original contributions to our understanding of Asian and world history.

The original Manchu and Mongol documents selected for this publication provide fascinating new information about the relations between Manchus and Mongols before the Manchu conquest of China. They include diplomatic correspondence, military liaisons, legal cases, and records of tribute missions.

Focusing on the unique perspective of a young Manchu officer, this annotated translation reveals the only known military diary from pre-modern China, offering valuable insights into the Ch'ing army's operations. The author's firsthand experiences during battles in the challenging terrain of South-Western China provide a vivid portrayal of military life in the seventeenth century, enhancing our understanding of Chinese military history and the complexities of warfare during that period.

The book delves into the historical roots of conflict between early China and its northern 'barbarian' neighbors, exploring the cultural, political, and social dynamics that fueled this animosity. Through detailed analysis, it uncovers how perceptions of identity and otherness shaped interactions and contributed to long-standing tensions in the region. The investigation sheds light on the complexities of these relationships, offering insights into the broader implications for understanding early Chinese civilization and its external relations.