Steppe

Real World Example

The steppe was a crucial geographical feature for the Byzantine Empire, Russia, and Eastern Europe between 300-1615, as it served both as a pathway for nomadic tribes like the Huns and Mongols and as a buffer zone against invasions. Control over the steppe meant having a strategic advantage for trade routes, military campaigns, and cultural exchanges. The vast, open grasslands provided grazing land for livestock, which was essential for nomadic and semi-nomadic societies. Today, the concept of the steppe is still relevant as these regions are important for agriculture and biodiversity conservation. For example, in Ukraine, the steppes continue to be vital for wheat production, which affects global food supply and prices, impacting what you might pay for bread or pasta at the grocery store.