>>16912177>also, how do you go from the predominant military power in the world to a rump state that only exists as a buffer between China and russiaSteppe people were herders. When you herd animals you can move your entire tribe from one place to another. You don't need large supply lines as all of the herding animals and livestock are with you.
Nearby civilizations (Persia, Arabs, Chinese) hired them as mercenaries so they had knowledge of the military structure of these civilizations and even a few inside men. If Persia or China were weak for whatever internal reason, they could easily capitalize on it.
Once one civilization collapses you assimilate local people into the army promising them loot+booty. Taking down one domino lets you run the board.
Prior to the Industrial era, the population of steppe people was closer to that of neighboring settled people. At a moment's notice they could field a large (for their era), mobile army comprising most of the able bodied me without any need for supply lines. After the industrial revolution, steppe countries have a much smaller percent of the population of the nearby countries. The Industrial revolution and its consequences have been a disaster for the Steppe Empires.
1. Mobility
2. Knowledge of the military structure of nearby civilizations
3. Ability to assimilate locals into your tribe
4. Ability to field large Armies
