What of the East?

I realize the east of Middle Earth is of little relevance, however I still wonder -- what is there and what is its role in history. Did anything ever happen there? From the looks of it, it seems to be a pretty boring place, geographically. Does anybody know anything about this place?

(A good map of Middle Earth -- including the east: http://lotrmaps.middle-earth.us/maps/r3t_M106.jpg)