Ep501 - Barry Cunliffe | The Scythians: Nomad Warriors of the Steppe
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Deep Dive
Why were the Scythians considered one of the four great peoples of the barbarian world by the Greek historian Ephorus?
The Scythians were considered one of the four great peoples of the barbarian world by the Greek historian Ephorus because they were powerful nomadic horsemen who controlled a vast area of the Asian steppe, from the Altai Mountains to the Great Hungarian Plain, and had significant interactions with neighboring civilizations such as the Greeks, Persians, and Chinese.
Why did the Scythians frequently move westward across the steppe?
The Scythians frequently moved westward across the steppe because the steppe environment became more moderate in temperature and wetter as they moved west, leading to lusher grasslands that were more suitable for their pastoral lifestyle and encouraging continuous movement.
Why did the Scythians engage in extensive trade with the Greeks around the Black Sea?
The Scythians engaged in extensive trade with the Greeks around the Black Sea because both communities benefited from exchanging goods. The Scythians provided furs, horses, grain, and slaves, while the Greeks offered luxury goods, wine, and craftsmanship, leading to a symbiotic relationship.
Why did the Scythians develop a unique and vibrant art style?
The Scythians developed a unique and vibrant art style through interactions with the Greeks and the Urartu, who influenced their goldsmithing and decorative motifs. This art often depicted scenes from Scythian mythology and everyday life, reflecting their cultural and social values.
Why were the Scythians known for their elaborate burial practices?
The Scythians were known for their elaborate burial practices because they believed in an afterlife and buried their chieftains with significant wealth and possessions. These burials often included gold artifacts, weapons, horses, and even human sacrifices, indicating the high status and power of the deceased.
Why did the Scythians have a strong emphasis on hunting?
The Scythians had a strong emphasis on hunting because it was a crucial part of their culture and daily life. Hunting provided food and was also a way to demonstrate bravery and skill. Greek accounts describe how Scythians would abandon battles to chase after hares, highlighting the importance of hunting in their society.
Why were the Scythians adept at making and using poisoned arrows?
The Scythians were adept at making and using poisoned arrows to enhance their effectiveness in battle. They extracted venom from pregnant female snakes, mixed it with blood, and let it ferment. This poison made their arrows more lethal, causing more pain and making it harder for enemies to recover from wounds.
Why did the Scythians practice elaborate body preservation techniques for their dead?
The Scythians practiced elaborate body preservation techniques for their dead to honor and display the deceased, ensuring the successor's legitimacy. They removed internal organs, stuffed the bodies with herbs and straw, and sometimes kept the bodies until the ground thawed in the summer for burial, as described by Herodotus.
Why did the Scythians have a more fluid gender division compared to other societies?
The Scythians had a more fluid gender division because their society allowed for greater gender roles overlap. Women could be trained as fighters and were sometimes buried with warrior equipment, while men who took on effeminate roles were often given high status as priests and shamans.
Why did the Scythians have a significant impact on the development of Celtic art?
The Scythians had a significant impact on the development of Celtic art through their interactions with the Celts in Eastern Europe. Scythian art, characterized by its animal motifs and intricate designs, influenced Celtic art, leading to the adoption of similar styles and techniques in Celtic artifacts.
- Scythians were nomadic horsemen inhabiting the Eurasian Steppe.
- Considered one of the four great barbarian peoples by the Greeks.
- Steppe's geography influenced their nomadic lifestyle and constant westward movement.
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