The Ancients The Scythians
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Feb 13, 2025 Dr. Owen Rees, an Ancient Greek historian and expert on Scythian culture, takes listeners on a journey through the intriguing world of the Scythians, known as the horse-riding barbarians of the north. He discusses their unique cultural traits, including the remarkable role of warrior women reminiscent of Amazons. The conversation also explores Bilsk, a significant Iron-Age settlement, and the complex relationship between the Scythians and Greeks, revealing fascinating trade dynamics and cultural exchanges that shaped perceptions of these enigmatic people.
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Scythian Descriptions
- Herodotus' descriptions of Scythians vary based on location.
- Those further north are portrayed as more fantastical, almost mythical.
Who Were the Scythians?
- The Scythians were nomadic and semi-nomadic groups north of the Black Sea, spreading east towards Siberia.
- They were diverse, and other cultures, like the Persians, knew them by different names, such as the Sakai.
External Descriptions
- Most written evidence about Scythians comes from external groups like Greeks, Romans, and Persians.
- These sources offer diverse perspectives, but often portray Scythians as "the other."
