Definition: The Scythians were a nomadic horse-riding society that pretty much ruled all of Central Asia during the 6th and 7th centuries BC. A distinctive art with stylized animals has been recorded during this period.
Scythian dwellings were often placed within hill forts, fortified with ramparts and moats. At Pekshevo, a Middle Don phase Scythian hill fort, at least 31 residences have been identified, primarily of circular or rectangular post-design houses at ground level or semi-subterranean. The Scythian homeland was probably South Russia and the Altai, where several archaeological investigations of this warring tribe have been undertaken, particularly by the Centre for the Study of Eurasian Nomads.
Scythian dwellings were often placed within hill forts, fortified with ramparts and moats. At Pekshevo, a Middle Don phase Scythian hill fort, at least 31 residences have been identified, primarily of circular or rectangular post-design houses at ground level or semi-subterranean. The Scythian homeland was probably South Russia and the Altai, where several archaeological investigations of this warring tribe have been undertaken, particularly by the Centre for the Study of Eurasian Nomads.
Sources
Medvedev, A. P. 1999 On the question of the origin of the Middle Don culture of the Scythian time. Anthropology and Archaeology of Eurasia 38(1):8-38.
Trishina, I. V. 2005 Multifigured compositions in the art of the Pazyryk culture. Anthropology and Archaeology of Eurasia 43(4):19-48.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Examples:
Chastiye Kurgany (Russia), Pekshevo (Russia), Voloshino (Russia)
