It was a time in the nation's history that 'was steeped in' bloodshed. [=a time when there was a lot of bloodshed]
Prior to his trip, he spent a few weeks 'steeping himself in' the language. [=learning a lot about the language]
an area 'steeped in' history [=an area where many important historical events occurred]
(..) perhaps for sheer joy. Her cubs gaze out of their bright new world for the very first time. The female calls them, but this steep slope is not the easiest place to take your first steps. But they are hungry and eager to reach their mother, who's delayed feeding them on this special day. (..)2006 TvShow: Planet Earth Title: From Pole to Pole Season: 1 Episode 1