The Ancients: Episode Summary – "The Scythians"

Hosted by Tristan Hughes | Released on February 13, 2025

Introduction to the Scythians

In the February 13, 2025, episode of The Ancients, host Tristan Hughes delves into the enigmatic world of the Scythians, a group often depicted by ancient Greeks as the quintessential "other" – fierce horsemen roaming the vast Eurasian steppe over two millennia ago. The episode aims to unravel who the Scythians were, the reliability of their portrayal by Greek historians, and the nature of their interactions with the Greek world.

Host and Guest Introduction

Tristan Hughes is joined by Dr. Owen Rees from Birmingham Newman University, a recurring guest on the podcast known for his insightful discussions ranging from ancient Greek colonization to the intricate histories of archaeological sites like Olbia in modern-day Ukraine.

The Greek Portrayal of the Scythians: Herodotus's Account

Dr. Owen Rees emphasizes the pivotal role of Herodotus, often hailed as the "father of history," in shaping Greek perceptions of the Scythians. Herodotus's writings portray the Scythians as inhabitants living at the world's peripheries, with their depiction becoming increasingly fantastical as one moves northward.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "The earliest description from the Greeks, from the Greek writer Herodotus, father of history, he very much builds the Story of the Scythians. The further north you move, the more and more fantastical this culture becomes." [05:13]

This portrayal oscillates between portraying them as noble savages living in harmony with nature and fearsome warriors engaged in headhunting, reflecting the Greeks' mixed emotions of fear, respect, and fascination towards a culture starkly different from their own.

Archaeological Evidence of the Scythians

While Greek accounts provide a narrative, Dr. Rees highlights the significance of archaeological findings in substantiating aspects of Scythian life. Extensive burials from Ukraine to Siberia offer tangible insights into their societal structures, artistry, and daily lives.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "We can show you like an ancient tattoo on their skin, we can show you hairstyles, we can talk about the food, we can talk about what's buried around them in amazing detail." [09:10]

These burials, especially those from colder regions like East Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings, preserve organic materials such as skin and hair, providing a vivid picture of Scythian aesthetics and societal values.

Cultural Aspects: Nomadic vs. Settled Life

A central theme of the episode is the dichotomy between the Scythians' nomadic lifestyle and the evidence of substantial settlements like Bilsk. This juxtaposition challenges the traditional Greek portrayal of Scythians solely as nomads, suggesting a more complex societal structure.

The Bilsk Settlement

Bilsk, a massive archaeological site in northern Ukraine, emerges as a focal point in understanding Scythian urbanism. Spanning approximately 33 kilometers with towering wooden walls and deep ditches, Bilsk rivals ancient cities like Rome in scale.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "We're talking it's just wooden walls. Nothing particularly fancy in its design. But the wooden walls stand about 9 meters tall." [30:48]

Despite its formidable defenses, much of Bilsk's interior remains sparsely populated, leading scholars to theorize its role as a transient hub accommodating both settled communities and nomadic groups.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "One reason you'd have such a large space is to home a large nomadic group with their horses and everything with it for periods and then they move on." [31:13]

Interaction Between Scythians and Greeks: Trade and Culture

The episode explores the extensive interactions between Scythians and Greeks, facilitated by Bilsk's strategic location along major trade routes connecting Eurasia. This nexus allowed for the exchange of goods, ideas, and cultural practices.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "We don't even know how it got there. It may have come via Greece, it may have come via Persia and their trade networks." [40:17]

Artifacts such as Egyptian faience beads and scarab amulets discovered in Bilsk attest to the far-reaching connections, illustrating the Scythians' participation in a vast, interconnected marketplace.

Scythian Women and the Amazon Myth

A captivating discussion arises around the Scythian women, who defied contemporary Greek and Roman gender norms. Greek accounts often depicted them as warriors, influencing the myth of the Amazons.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "Over the past 30 plus years, there's been a lot of research kind of going, no, this does seem to verify what we're hearing, which is that young women in particular may well have seen battle or combat or raiding." [19:01]

Archaeological evidence, including female burials with signs of combat, corroborates these literary accounts, suggesting that Scythian women may have actively participated in warfare, thereby inspiring Greek mythology.

Headhunting Practices

The episode also addresses the controversial claim of Scythian headhunting, a practice frequently sensationalized by Greek historians.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "And there's an enormous amount of evidence of headhunting within the Scythian culture, you can see actual decorative designs that bear the marks of decapitated skulls." [25:33]

While debated among scholars, some archaeological findings, such as skulls transformed into drinking vessels, lend credence to Herodotus's accounts, albeit with caution.

Dr. Rees's New Book: "The Far Edges of the Known World"

Concluding the episode, Dr. Rees introduces his latest publication, which positions the Scythians and settlements like Bilsk within a broader context of peripheral ancient civilizations. His work aims to illuminate the lives of diverse cultures beyond the Greco-Roman narrative, emphasizing their unique contributions to the tapestry of ancient history.

Notable Quote:

Dr. Owen Rees: "It really looks at life at the edge and beyond the edge of the known world as the Greeks and Romans perceived it." [54:35]

Conclusion and Further Exploration

Tristan Hughes wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to explore additional episodes focusing on Scythian archaeology, including investigations into Kazakhstan's Valley of Kings and discussions with military historian Mike Loades on Scythian horse archery. The episode underscores the importance of viewing the Scythians through both historical texts and archaeological evidence to achieve a nuanced understanding of their society.

Key Takeaways

• Complex Identity: The Scythians were more than nomadic horsemen; evidence from settlements like Bilsk suggests a multifaceted society with both mobile and stationary elements.

• Cultural Exchange: Their interactions with Greeks and other civilizations facilitated a rich exchange of goods, ideas, and artistic influences, highlighting their integral role in ancient trade networks.

• Gender Roles: Scythian women challenged contemporary gender norms, contributing to myths like the Amazons and indicating possible active participation in warfare.

• Historical Bias: Greek and Roman portrayals of the Scythians were often colored by cultural biases, necessitating a careful interpretation of their accounts alongside archaeological data.

For enthusiasts eager to delve deeper into the Scythians and their archaeological intricacies, The Ancients offers a treasure trove of episodes that complement this insightful discussion.