Scythian (SITH-ee-uhn)
Nomadic horse peoples of the Eurasian steppe
The Scythians were a nomadic warrior people who thrived across the Eurasian steppe from around the 9th century BCE until the 2nd century CE. Their domain stretched from the Black Sea region to Central Asia, making them one of the dominant cultures of the region. Highly skilled in horseback riding and archery the Scythians were famed for their mobile, warlike society. They often came into contact with the Greeks, Persians, and other settled civilizations influencing and being influenced by them, particularly in art and trade. Though nomadic, the Scythians held significant sway over important trade routes, including parts of the Silk Road making them key players in the exchange of goods and culture.
Their society was both practical and spiritual, blending shamanistic beliefs with a warrior ethos. Scythians worshipped a pantheon of gods deeply tied to the natural world, particularly the sky, earth, and fire. The Scythian elite buried their dead in kurgans, large burial mounds filled with grave goods like horses, weapons, and intricate gold items. Their art, known as the "Animal Style," displayed an affinity for depicting fierce animals such as eagles, stags, and panthers, symbolizing the Scythians' strength and connection to nature.
Over time, the Scythians came into conflict with other nomadic peoples, such as the Sarmatians and were eventually absorbed into larger empires like the Roman and Parthian empires. However, their legacy endured, especially in the iconography of steppe cultures and the folklore of their warrior traditions. They left behind a rich archaeological record, with gold artifacts, weapons, and burial mounds offering insight into their way of life and beliefs.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The Scythians spoke a language from the Eastern Iranian group of the Indo-Iranian family, often referred to as Scythian Their language had a significant impact on other steppe peoples and may have shared similarities with the languages of Sogdians and Ossetians the latter of which is a modern descendant of the Scytho-Sarmatian dialect.
Culture and cultural heritage
Scythian culture was deeply tied to their nomadic lifestyle and warrior ethos. Their society revolved around herding, raiding, and warfare, with an emphasis on horseback archery. They were also skilled artisans, known for their goldworking and Animal Style art, which often depicted predatory animals and fantastical beasts. Scythians valued strength, bravery, and loyalty to the tribe, with rituals and ceremonies honoring these values.
Shared customary codes and values
Scythians upheld codes of loyalty to family and tribe, as well as bravery in battle. Hospitality was an important value, as nomadic cultures often relied on each other for survival. Respect for elders and honoring the dead were also central. Their spiritual practices revolved around nature worship and the belief in an afterlife, with elaborate burial rites for the elite.
Common Etiquette rules
In Scythian society, it was important to greet elders and warriors with respect. Guests were treated with honor and given food and shelter, as the nomadic lifestyle required interdependence. It was customary to offer ritual toasts during gatherings, often involving horse milk or fermented drinks. Insulting another warrior's honor could lead to a duel or other forms of retribution.
Common Dress code
Scythians wore practical, yet ornate clothing suited to their nomadic lifestyle. Leather, wool, and felt garments were common, often lined with fur for warmth. Their clothes were adorned with gold jewelry, and warriors carried intricately decorated weapons. Both men and women wore trousers, making horseback riding easier. Conical hats and tunic-like coats were worn in colder climates.
Art & Architecture
Scythian art is best known for its Animal Style, which included detailed depictions of animals in combat, often rendered in gold. These motifs were present in their weapons, jewelry, and horse gear. As a nomadic people, the Scythians didn't build cities, but their burial mounds (kurgans) served as impressive monuments, sometimes containing elaborate wooden structures for the dead.
Foods & Cuisine
Scythian diet centered around meat, dairy, and grains. They consumed horse meat, mutton, and various dairy products, including fermented mare's milk (koumiss). Their nomadic lifestyle meant that food had to be easily transportable. They also hunted game and foraged for wild plants and herbs. They brewed fermented beverages from grains and likely consumed some form of primitive bread.
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
The Scythians had numerous rituals related to warfare and death. Their war god was worshiped through the symbolic sacrifice of prisoners and horses, often near an iron sword planted into the ground. Shamanistic practices, including the use of cannabis, were part of their ritualistic purification ceremonies. Their elite burials were elaborate, with kurgans containing grave goods, including weapons, food, and horses.
Coming of Age Rites
Young Scythians underwent a warrior initiation where they would have to prove themselves in battle or raids. The successful return from battle marked a boy’s transition into manhood. For girls, their coming of age often coincided with marriage, though some young women became warriors, a tradition linked to the Amazons of Scythian legend.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Scythians buried their elite in large kurgans, where they placed not only the body of the deceased but also grave goods, horses, and sometimes human sacrifices (family members or servants). These burials were meant to provide for the dead in the afterlife. For lesser members of society, simpler burials were used. Funerary feasts were common, and the deceased were often mummified or cremated.
Common Taboos
Scythians placed great importance on loyalty to the tribe and bravery. Cowardice in battle was considered shameful, and betraying one’s tribe or family could lead to exile. There were also strong prohibitions against disrespecting the dead, especially grave robbing, which was seen as a severe offense to both the deceased and the gods.
Common Myths and Legends
Scythian myths often revolved around great warriors, gods of nature, and the creation of their people. One notable legend is that of Targitaos, the ancestor of the Scythians, born from the union of the sky god Papay and a daughter of the Earth goddess Api. Amazon warriors also played a role in Scythian folklore, with women sometimes fighting alongside men in battle.
Historical figures
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
Scythians admired physical strength and agility, especially for warriors. Scarification and tattoos were sometimes used to mark significant accomplishments, such as success in battle. Long hair, often adorned with gold decorations, was common for both men and women. Warriors were especially admired, and their ability to ride and fight was considered a mark of attractiveness.
Gender Ideals
Scythian men were expected to be warriors and providers, excelling in horseback riding and archery. Women, while generally involved in domestic roles, could also become warriors and leaders. Some Scythian women were known to fight in battle and were celebrated for their skills, giving rise to the legends of the Amazons.
Courtship Ideals
Scythian courtship was practical, often based on alliances between tribes or families. Marriage typically occurred after a young man had proven himself in battle. Gift-giving played a role in courtship, with warriors offering animals, weapons, or ornate jewelry to their intended partners. Fidelity was important, especially among the warrior class.
Relationship Ideals
Scythian relationships were centered around mutual loyalty and respect. The bond between husband and wife was seen as a partnership, with both contributing to the welfare of the tribe or family. Polygamy may have been practiced among the elite, but both men and women were expected to be loyal to their family and tribe, ensuring their survival in the harsh steppe environment.
Cultural Era: ~3000 BCE - ~200 CE
Related Items
