Sui-Tang China and Its Turko-Mongol Neighbors

This book reexamines historical interactions between medieval China and Mongolia, emphasizing their shared diplomatic and cultural practices, particularly in Sui-Tang China and Its Turko-Mongol Neighbors.

In Sui-Tang China and Its Turko-Mongol Neighbors, Jonathan Skaff presents a detailed exploration of the interactions between the Sui and Tang dynasties of China and their Turko-Mongol neighbors from 580 to 800 AD. This work challenges the long-held belief that the cultures and peoples of medieval China and Mongolia were fundamentally opposed and irreconcilable. Instead, Skaff argues that there were significant similarities in the diplomatic practices, warfare strategies, and political structures of both regions, highlighting a shared pursuit of power and influence.

The book delves into the intricate dynamics of competition and cooperation that characterized the relationships between these states. Skaff illustrates how rulers on both sides employed similar methods of diplomacy and warfare, as well as analogous ideologies of governance. This comparative analysis not only sheds light on the nature of these historical interactions but also redefines our understanding of the tributary system traditionally associated with imperial China, suggesting that such customs were prevalent across a wider Eurasian context.

By examining these connections, Sui-Tang China and Its Turko-Mongol Neighbors reveals the significant role of Turko-Mongol pastoral nomads in shaping the cultural and political landscape of Eurasia, alongside the more recognized influences of Silk Road trade. This interdisciplinary study is an essential read for those interested in medieval history, cultural exchanges, and the complexities of international relations in the past.