The mysteries of creation--that is, of the Earth's formation and the emergence of humans--have perplexed humanity for a long time. This book explores the profound transformations of Earth's geological and ecological structures and their lasting impact on human societies. These geocosmic shifts from the Pleistocene to the Holocene have shaped the different regions of Eurasia, influencing the cultural worldviews of their inhabitants as seen through archaeology and history. Originally published in Russian in 2020, this book offers a thought-provoking analysis of the Earth's evolution and its role in the development of civilizations.
About the Author :
Born in 1935, Evgenij Chernykh has led the laboratory for scientific methods in archaeological research at the Institute of Archaeology in Moscow from the 1960s until recently. Over the course of his scholarly career, he has authored more than 600 academic articles published internationally and has written over 20 monographs, published in Russian, English, French, and Chinese.
Review :
"Spanning geological deep time and the full sweep of human prehistory and history, this monumental work offers a unique panoramic understanding of Eurasia--not merely as a geographical landmass, but as a dynamic cultural, ecological, and ideological system in perpetual transformation. In the era of climate crises, resurgent nationalism, and contested pasts, this work offers a timely reminder of the deep interconnections between humans and the planetary forces that have shaped them. This is a rare book--scholarly yet readable, expansive yet detailed, provocative yet grounded. It will undoubtedly become a touchstone for future generations of archaeologists, historians, and earth scientists. I recommend it with enthusiasm and admiration."
--Miljana Radivojevic, Associate Professor in Archaeological Science, UCL Institute of Archaeology
"If anything characterises the historical development of the Earth, it is the emergence of humanity, a concept associated with human beings capable of thinking, feeling and acting with foresight. In this book, Evgenij Chernykh, from the privileged vantage point of his many years of archaeological research in Central Eurasia, invites us on a fascinating journey through the history of the formation of the planet, a journey that is essential for understanding and situating the birth of the genus Homo, its evolution and its continental expansion which generated the cultural diversity we know, today. "
--Salvador Rovira Llorens, retired head of conservation at the National Archeological Museum of Spain
"An impressive panorama of shifts and breakthroughs in the history of Eurasia and an unconventional perspective on how this series of challenges--shaped by both human nature and the nature of the continent--have been overcome."
--Olga Korochkova, Professor of Archaeology and Ethnology, Ural Federal University
