Vladimir Sorokin. Tellurium (№ 247861)

The nomads defeated the Europeans utterly. Europe lay before them. But they are not included even in Budapest. Having spent some time under its walls, they turned around and went back to the Russian steppes. For some reason, the army of Batu Khan did not go to Europe, not conquered it? The Mongol explained it this way: our horses will be closely in European cities. Born in the vast steppes, they feel insecure on the streets. Urban space was incomprehensible. Therefore, it is impossible to conquer and to try to possess what you do not understand. Attempts the conquest of the Russian steppes the Europeans demonstrate the syndrome, the opposite of claustrophobia - agoraphobia. It felt Napoleon's army and Hitler moving East. Endless space frightened Europeans. They didn't understand how you can master these steppes, how can they be civilize and to civilize. Therefore, it was defeated.