Tuesday 24 October 2023

Scythian Gold

The Scythians were Iranian equestrian tribes who inhabited large areas of the central Eurasian steppes starting from the 7th century BC through the 4th century AD. Ancient Greeks gave the name Scythia to all the lands north-east of Europe and the northern coast of the Black Sea, unknown to them.

The Scythian golden pectoral from the royal grave at Tolstaja Mogila kurgan, 4th century BC. It shows the three tiers of Scythian mythology: the Inner Earth, the Astral-Cosmic sphere and innermost the inhabited world. Spectactular art was produced until the 3rd century BC, after which the Scythians gave way to the Sarmatians and rich burials ended.


Scythian golden sword and scabbard.

Gold Scythian belt title, Mingachevir, Azerbaijan, 7th century BC.

Scythian goddess Apa from the Kul Oba kurgan.

Scythian Gold Stag, 4th-3rd Century BC

The gold fish of Vettersfelde, Scythian, ca 500 BC