Christoph Baumer Books

The narrative delves into Central Asia's pivotal role as a political and cultural hub from the ninth to the fifteenth centuries, highlighting the rise of Islam and the establishment of influential dynasties like the Seljuks and Ghaznavids. It examines the impact of Genghiz Khan's conquests between 1219 and 1260, which, despite their brutality, fostered increased trade and cultural exchange between Central Asia and Western Europe, marking a transformative period in global history. The volume is richly illustrated, enhancing its historical exploration.

For thousands of years Iran, or Persia as it was known, was a melting pot of civilisations. Persia was the centre of the world's first empire. Subsequent invasions provided a rich culture and history which is described in this volume

Focusing on the historical evolution of the Caucasus, this volume spans from the Seljuk domination around 1050 CE to contemporary times. It highlights the Kingdom of Georgia's cultural peak in the 12th and 13th centuries, followed by Mongol invasions that fragmented the region into smaller entities. An Armenian kingdom in Cilicia navigated a delicate diplomatic balance among major powers, while the subsequent centuries saw the North and South Caucasus become pawns of the Ottomans, Iran, and Russia, reflecting the complex interplay of regional politics.

The so-called 'Nestorian' Church (officially known as the Apostolic Assyrian Church of the East, with its See in Baghdad) was one of the most significant Christian communities to develop east of the Roman Empire. In its heyday the Church had 8 million adherents and stretched from the Mediterranean to China. Christoph Baumer is one of the very few Westerners to have visited many of the most important Assyrian sites, and has written the only comprehensive history of the Church, which now fights for survival in its country of origin, Iraq, and is almost forgotten in the West. He narrates its rich and colourful trajectory, from its apostolic beginnings to the present day, and discusses the Church's theology, christology and uniquely vigorous spirituality. He analyses the Church's turbulent relationship with other Christian chuches and its dialogue with neighbouring world religions such as Zoroastrianism, Manichaeism, Islam, Buddhism and Taoism. Richly illustrated with maps and over 150 full-colour photographs, the book will be essential reading for those interested in a fascinating but neglected Christian community which has profoundly shaped the history of civilization in both East and West.

Exploring the rich tapestry of Central Asia, this four-volume series delves into 3000 years of history, highlighting the region's epic migrations and transformative events. Christoph Baumer narrates the stories of the Scythians, Sarmatians, Soviets, and the Silk Roads, alongside the conquests of figures like Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan. The engaging prose is complemented by vivid color photographs from the author's travels, bringing to life the diverse cultures and historical milestones that shaped this pivotal area of civilization.

For five millennia, the peoples and cultures of East and West have met and mingled in Central Asia. For explorers and travellers it is a promised land, a region of white spaces on the map, forgotten cities and archaeological treasures. This title illuminates the hidden parts of Central Asia.

The book presents a captivating exploration of Wutai Shan, a significant Buddhist sanctuary in China, known for its stunning landscapes and spiritual heritage. Through Christoph Baumer's extensive travels, readers gain insight into the region's rich history and the practices surrounding its 60 monasteries. Accompanied by 300 striking photographs, the narrative delves into the vibrant festivals, rituals, and the daily lives of the monks, offering a unique perspective on the cradle of Chinese Buddhism and its lesser-known significance in the West.

The book delves into the transformative impact of the Silk Roads from around 200 BC to 900 AD, highlighting the extensive trade networks established by the Han dynasty. It examines the exchange of goods, cultures, and ideas that connected Europe, the Mediterranean, and Asia, facilitating the spread of major religions like Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. The narrative covers significant historical events, including the rivalry between Rome and Parthia, the rise of the Sogdian empire, and the Battle of Talas, all enriched with illustrations that enhance the historical context.

Focusing on the geography of Central Asia, this volume delves into the region's rich history spanning 3000 years, highlighting significant migrations and transformative events. It explores the narratives of various groups, including Scythians, Sarmatians, and conquerors like Alexander the Great and Chinghiz Khan. The author's engaging prose is enhanced by personal photographs, offering a vivid portrayal of the landscapes and cultures. Dr. Baumer, a noted expert, captures the complexity and grandeur of this historically significant area.

A landscape of high mountains and narrow valleys stretching from the Black to the Caspian Seas, the Caucasus region has been home to human populations for nearly 2 million years. In this richly illustrated 2-volume series, historian and explorer Christoph Baumer tells the story of the region's history through to the present day. It is a story of encounters between many different peoples, from Scythians, Turkic and Mongol peoples of the East to Greeks and Romans from the West, from Indo-European tribes from the West as well as the East, and to Arabs and Iranians from the South. It is a story of rival claims by Empires and nations and of how the region has become home to more than 50 languages that can be heard within its borders to this very day. This first volume charts the period from the emergence of the earliest human populations in the region - the first known human populations outside Africa - to the Seljuk conquests of 1050AD. Along the way the book charts the development of Neolithic, Iron and Bronze Age cultures, the first recognizable Caucasian state and the arrival of a succession of the great transnational Empires, from the Greeks, the Romans and the Armenian to competing Christian and Muslim conquerors. The History of the Caucasus: Volume 1 also includes more than 200 full colour images and maps bringing the changing cultures of these lands vividly to life