William Montgomery McGovern - American researcher, professor at Northwestern University, Illinois, anthropologist, journalist and traveler - presents his work on the history of Central Asia, noting its importance in the development of civilizations of the Ancient World. McGovern draws attention to the important role that Central Asia played in the cultural history of mankind and as a center where many traditions and types of art developed, and as an intermediary between all the major cultural centers of the Ancient World. The author notes the historical significance of the invasions committed by various Central Asian peoples. Since the earliest times, this territory has been inhabited by at least two separate and racially and linguistically different groups, which are called Scythians and Huns.