This article summarizes the history of the eastern steppe, the eastern third of the Eurasian Steppe — that is, the grasslands of Mongolia and of northern China. The content functions as a companion-article to the history of the central steppe and to the history of the western steppe. Most of the recorded history of the eastern steppe deals with conflicts between the Han Chinese and the steppe nomads. Most of the historical sources originate in China.
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History of the eastern steppe in the context of Saka
The Saka were a group of nomadic Eastern Iranian peoples who lived in the Eurasian Steppe and the Tarim Basin from the 9th century BC to the 5th century AD. The Saka were closely related to the Scythians, and both groups formed parts of the wider Scythian cultures. However, both groups have differing specific geographical and cultural traits. The Saka languages formed part of the Scythian phylum, a branch of the Eastern Iranian languages.
Derived from the earlier Andronovo, Sintashta and Srubnaya cultures, the Saka were later influenced by the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Culture and Iron-Age East Asian genetic influx. The ancient Persians, ancient Greeks, and ancient Babylonians respectively used the names "Saka," "Scythian," and "Cimmerian" for all the steppe nomads. However, the name "Saka" is used specifically for the ancient nomads of the eastern steppe, while "Scythian" is used for the related group of nomads living in the western steppe.
History of the eastern steppe in the context of History of the western steppe
This article summarizes the history of the western steppe, which is the western third of the Eurasian Steppe, that is, the grasslands of Ukraine and southern Russia. It is intended as a summary and an index to the more-detailed linked articles. It is a companion to history of the central steppe and history of the eastern steppe. All dates are approximate since there are few exact starting and ending dates. This summary article does not list the uncertainties, which are many. For these, see the linked articles.