The ancient Scythians were a group of nomadic people who lived in regions like southern Siberia, Central Asia, and the northern Black Sea area from about 800 to 300 B.C. One of the most fascinating artifacts left behind by these fearsome warriors is a gold plaque depicting a Scythian riding a horse into battle. This sculpture is believed to have been made around 400 to 350 B.C. in the Black Sea region, which is now part of modern-day Turkey.
Not much is known about the Scythians as they did not leave behind written records of their own. Our knowledge about them comes from outside perspectives, such as the writings of the Greek historian Herodotus. He described the Scythians as unbeatable in battle and impossible to catch if they didn’t want to be found.
The Scythians were skilled goldsmiths and also known for breeding domesticated horses. A study conducted in 2017 revealed that these Iron Age nomads were careful to avoid inbreeding among their horses and selected for specific coat colors and strong forelimbs. This attention to detail is evident in the gold artifacts created by the Scythians, including the plaque of a warrior on horseback.
In the gold sculpture, a bearded man is depicted riding a horse with a weapon in hand, poised for battle. The Scythians were unique in their use of elaborately decorated weapons like daggers, knives, and arrowheads that were often adorned with gold. Many of these ornate items have been uncovered in Scythian burial sites, shedding light on their customs and way of life.
The discovery of this gold sculpture offers a glimpse into the artistic and martial prowess of the Scythian people. It serves as a reminder of their skill in craftsmanship and their reputation as formidable warriors. Through artifacts like this plaque, we can piece together the history and culture of the Scythians, unraveling the mysteries of this ancient civilization.