Join us for an in-depth exploration of the Rouran Khaganat, a Mongolic state that emerged after the fall of the Xiongnu Empire. Discover how the once-defeated Donghu tribe united the Central Mongolian Plains, establishing a sophisticated steppe empire that expanded from Manchuria to Kazakhstan. Learn about their conflicts with the Wei and Hephthalite Empires, their eventual defeat by the Ashina tribe, and the legacy they left behind, which traces back to the Avar Khaganat in Europe. Featuring insights from Professor Peter B. Golden of Rutgers University, this episode delves into the Rouran's history, lifestyle, political dynamics, and lasting influence.