Hephthalites

In this episode, we delve into the history of the Hephthalites, the nomadic confederation often called the White Huns, who dominated Central Asia between the 5th and 8th centuries and built a powerful empire centered in Bactria. We examine the debates surrounding their Turkic or Iranian origins, their major influence on the political world of the Sasanian Empire and the Tarim Basin, and the military campaigns that saw them defeat Persian kings before eventually being displaced by the Western Turks. The episode also explores the Hephthalites’ distinctive culture, from reports of polyandry and striking artistic traditions to the religious diversity of their realm, where Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Christianity all found a place. Finally, we trace the breakup of their empire into smaller principalities and consider the lasting legacy they may have left among later peoples and modern ethnic groups.