Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The Horse and the Rise of Empires presents a sweeping history of human civilization through the lens of this powerful ally. The book explores how horses made rulers, raiders, and traders interchangeable and offers a fresh perspective on the “Silk Road,” suggesting it might be more aptly named the Horse Road.

From ancient epics to the games of polo and Buzkashi, horses have symbolized authority, woven into the fabric of diverse cultures. Chaffetz, an astute observer of history, economics, and international relations, draws on fresh research in genetics and forensic archaeology to present a lively history of the great horse empires that shaped civilization.

David Chaffetz is an independent scholar specializing in Asian history. A graduate of Harvard University, he is a regular contributor to the Asian Review of Books, South China Morning Post, Engelsburg Ideas, and Nikkei Asian Review.