Description
Book Synopsis: Brilliant horsemen and great fighters, the Scythians were nomadic horsemen who ranged wide across the grasslands of the Asian steppe from the Altai mountains in the east to the Great Hungarian Plain in the first millennium BC. Their steppe homeland bordered on a number of sedentary states to the south - the Chinese, the Persians and the Greeks - and there were, inevitably, numerous interactions between the nomads and their neighbours. The Scythians fought the Persians on a number of occasions, in one battle killing their king and on another occasion driving the invading army of Darius the Great from the steppe. Relations with the Greeks around the shores of the Black Sea were rather different - both communities benefiting from trading with each other. This led to the development of a brilliant art style, often depicting scenes from Scythian mythology and everyday life. It is from the writings of Greeks like the historian Herodotus that we learn of Scythian life: their beliefs, their burial practices, their love of fighting, and their ambivalent attitudes to gender. It is a world that is also brilliantly illuminated by the rich material culture recovered from Scythian burials, from the graves of kings on the Pontic steppe, with their elaborate gold work and vividly coloured fabrics, to the frozen tombs of the Altai mountains, where all the organic material - wooden carvings, carpets, saddles and even tattooed human bodies - is amazingly well preserved. Barry Cunliffe here marshals this vast array of evidence - both archaeological and textual - in a masterful reconstruction of the lost world of the Scythians, allowing them to emerge in all their considerable vigour and splendor for the first time in over two millennia.
Details
Uncover the captivating world of the Scythians: Nomad Warriors of the Steppe with this engaging and informative book. Journey through the vast grasslands of the Asian steppe, from the Altai mountains to the Great Hungarian Plain, and discover the incredible stories of these legendary horsemen. As skilled fighters, the Scythians engaged in epic battles against mighty civilizations like the Persians, leaving a lasting mark on history.
Experience the fascinating interactions between the nomads and their sedentary neighbors, such as the Chinese, Persians, and Greeks. Witness the fusion of cultures through trade, art, and mythology, as the Scythians' interactions with the Greeks along the shores of the Black Sea gave rise to a brilliant and distinct art style. Immerse yourself in stunning depictions of Scythian mythology and everyday life.
Delve into the writings of renowned Greek historian Herodotus, who offers invaluable insights into Scythian life, from their burial practices to their beliefs and their complex attitudes towards gender. Thanks to the astonishing archaeological discoveries, including elaborate gold work, vibrant fabrics, and remarkably preserved organic materials like wooden carvings and even tattooed human bodies, the lost world of the Scythians is brought back to life in vivid detail.
Bringing together a wealth of archaeological and textual evidence, acclaimed author Barry Cunliffe masterfully reconstructs the vibrant and powerful world of the Scythians, offering readers a unique and unparalleled glimpse into their civilization. Don't miss this rare opportunity to explore the rich history and splendor of the Scythians - order your copy of "Scythians: Nomad Warriors of the Steppe" today!
Experience the captivating world of the Scythians today and immerse yourself in their remarkable stories and rich cultural heritage!
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