This audiobook is narrated by a digital voice.

The Scythians were a formidable force of nomadic horsemen who emerged from the vast expanse of the Eurasian Steppe. Between the 9th and 2nd centuries BCE, they carved out a reputation as fierce warriors, skilled archers, and masters of mounted warfare. From the fringes of Eastern Europe to the borders of ancient Persia and China, their influence stretched far and wide—often surprising the more sedentary civilizations with their speed, mobility, and ferocity in battle. Unlike the empires they interacted with, the Scythians left no cities or stone monuments behind. Instead, their legacy lies buried in the earth, preserved in gold artifacts, burial mounds, and the stories told by those who encountered them.

The nomadic lifestyle of the Scythians was not simply a choice but a reflection of the environment they lived in. The Eurasian Steppe—an endless sea of grassland—demanded adaptability, resourcefulness, and above all, mobility. These people lived in portable homes, moved with the seasons, and depended on their horses not just for travel and battle, but for survival. Their culture emphasized the value of strength, independence, and personal valor. Scythian society was not without structure, but it was fluid and pragmatic, shaped by the needs of a people constantly on the move.

Much of what we know about the Scythians comes from outside observers. Ancient Greek historians, most notably Herodotus, painted vivid and sometimes exaggerated portraits of Scythian customs—describing rituals that ranged from awe-inspiring to brutal. Archaeological findings over the past two centuries have helped verify, contradict, and expand upon these accounts. From frozen tombs in Siberia to intricate golden jewelry uncovered in Ukrainian burial sites, we continue to learn more about who the Scythians really were.