Scythians by John Simpson

Scythians by John Simpson

The Scythians were an ancient nomadic people, who lived in the Russian steppe from 900 to 400 BC. They established a rich, nomadic civilization stretching from their homeland in Siberia as far as the Black Sea and the edge of China. Mobility and mastery of local resources were central to their culture and their achievements. Forerunners of the Sarmatians, the Huns, the Turks and the Mongols, the Scythians were feared adversaries and respected neighbours of the Assyrians, the Persians and the Ancient Greeks. Much of what we know about them comes from the Ancient Greek historian Herodotus, as they left no written records of their own. This book offers unique insights into the life and funerary beliefs of the Scythians, whose culture has been remarkably well preserved because of the unique conditions provided by the Siberian permafrost. Also included are many rare and recently discovered finds of personal garments and possessions made from gold, leather, fur and felt, revealing the legacy of one Russia’s oldest indigenous civilizations. Drawing on the latest research, this new book will appeal to anyone interested in the ancient world and Russian culture..

'A record of gold, leather, fur and felt … fascinating' - Mature Times
'Clean and classy design' - History Revealed
'Absolutely sumptuous, profusely illustrated as it is with many, many dazzling photographs of ritual and domestic objects … the best book on the subject I have ever seen … absolutely glorious' - Sacred Hoop Magazine
'Sumptuous … stands alone as a must-have book about the Scythians themselves … Another T&H masterpiece' - Timeless Travels
'An intellectual and visual treat' - Bethany Hughes
'The book’s photographs are permanent reminders of what the Scythians left behind: leather saddles, gold jewelry, embroidery, helmets, felt clothing' - Prisma
'Magnificent… excellent … first class' - Liliana Janik, University of Cambridge, for The Prehistoric Society
'Spectacular' - Fortean Times
'Stunning material and presentation, not just of the obvious, such as the eye-catching “Scythian gold” … peerless quality' - Ancient West and East (AWE)

Dr St John Simpson is a senior curator and archaeologist in the Department of the Middle East in the British Museum, London, and has excavated widely in the Middle East and Central Asia. His previous publications include Afghanistan: A Cultural History (2012) and Looted, Recovered, Returned: Antiquities from Afghanistan (2014).

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780500021286
ISBN 10	0500021287
Title	Scythians
Author	John Simpson
Condition	Unavailable
Publisher	Thames & Hudson Ltd
Year published	2017-09-14
Number of pages	368
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable