William Montgomery McGovern, an American researcher, professor at Northwestern University, Illinois, anthropologist, journalist and traveler, presents his work on the history of Central Asia, noting its significance 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, both as a center where many traditions and arts developed, and as an intermediary between all the major cultural centers of the Ancient World. The author notes the historical significance of the invasions carried out by various Central Asian peoples. From the earliest times this territory was inhabited by at least two separate and racially and linguistically distinct groups, called the Scythians and the Huns.