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The Ancients
The Scythians
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.
51:15
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Quick takeaways
- The Scythians, known for their advanced equestrian culture, were skilled horsemen and wore distinct trousers, showcasing their mobility-focused lifestyle.
- Greek historians like Herodotus played a pivotal role in shaping the Scythian narrative, blending admiration with exaggeration in their accounts of this nomadic group.
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Understanding the Scythians
The Scythians were a nomadic group that inhabited the Eurasian steppes over 2,000 years ago, known for their equestrian culture and distinctive clothing. They wore trousers and were skilled with bows and arrows, often on horseback, emphasizing mobility as a central aspect of their lifestyle. Notably, Scythian women held more freedoms compared to their Greek counterparts, with some evidence suggesting that they participated in battle, possibly linking them to the myths surrounding Amazons. The Greeks perceived the Scythians as the 'Other,' a notion that evolved through various interactions, often amplifying the narrative of the Scythians as mythical beings the further one traveled from Greek civilization.
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Discover
highlights
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