Bronze-Age Riders Shaped the Modern World

The origins of modern man are explored in a captivating manner in this book, which reveals the mystery of the people who spread the ancient mother tongue that led to the development of English and other languages spoken by nearly half of the world's population. Described as "authoritative" by the New York Times and a "masterpiece" by the Wilson Quarterly, this book uncovers the identity of the early speakers of Proto-Indo-European, a linguistic source that has influenced languages worldwide.

The Horse, the Wheel, and Language by David Anthony sheds light on the enigmatic origins of the original Indo-European speakers, detailing how their domestication of horses and utilization of the wheel played a crucial role in the spread of language and the transformation of civilizations. By connecting archaeological evidence with language development, Anthony pinpoints the prehistoric peoples of central Eurasia's steppe grasslands as the first speakers of Proto-Indo-European.

Through the innovative use of ox wagons, horseback riding, and warrior's chariots, these early speakers turned the Eurasian steppes into a bustling corridor of communication, trade, and cultural interchange. They were pioneers in advancements such as copper mining, warfare strategies, and political institutions, setting the stage for significant social progress.

One of Anthony's remarkable discoveries detailed in the book is how the wear patterns from bits on ancient horse teeth provide insights into the origins of horseback riding. By unraveling this centuries-old puzzle, The Horse, the Wheel, and Language deciphers the source of Indo-European languages, including English, while bringing to light an influential civilization from the past that has long intrigued scholars.

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