The Pechenegs were a nomadic Turkic people who lived in the steppes of Central Asia and Eastern Europe during the early medieval period. They are known for their horse-riding skills and played a significant role in the history of the region, particularly from the 8th to the 11th centuries. The Pechenegs often engaged in conflicts with neighboring states, including the Byzantine Empire and the Kievan Rus. Their society was organized into tribes, and they were known for their raids and military prowess. The Pechenegs eventually settled in parts of modern-day Ukraine and Moldova, but their power declined after facing defeats from the Kievan Rus and the Mongols.