The Scythians

Ancient Peoples and Places

by Tamara Talbot Rice

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: History

255 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Tamara Talbot Rice was a Russian then English art historian, writing on Byzantine, Russian and Central Asian art. Talbot Rice was born Elena Abelson, to Louisa Elizabeth Vilenkin and Israel Boris Abelevich Abelson, the latter a businessman and member of the Czar's financial administration, a privileged family which fled Russia in 1917. Married David Talbot Rice and worked with him during the late 1920s and 30s.

She began to publish after the second world war writing on Russian Art and Russian history as well as on the art and history of the Scythians, Seljuks, and Byzantines.

Reviews

[Emad · Rating 3 out of 5]

- Historical Overview: The book traces the Scythians’ emergence from the Eurasian steppes and their interactions with major civilizations like the Persians, Greeks, and Assyrians.
- Daily Life: Rice reconstructs the Scythians’ nomadic lifestyle, emphasizing their reliance on horsemanship, hunting, and herding, as well as their social structures and gender roles.
- Tombs and Burial Practices: A detailed look at Scythian burial mounds (kurgans), which reveal insights into their beliefs, wealth, and artistry through grave goods and preserved remains.
- Material Culture: The book highlights Scythian craftsmanship, especially in goldwork and weaponry, and explores how their art bridged Eastern and Western traditions.
- Religion and Mythology: Rice discusses Scythian spiritual beliefs, rituals, and the symbolic role of animals in their cosmology.
- Legacy and Influence: The final chapters examine how Scythian culture influenced later societies, particularly in Slavic regions, and how their image evolved in historical narratives.

[cee · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's definitely interesting in the facts it presents about scythian art itself, but the last chapter left me highly doubt.jpg about its assertions re: the legacy of scythian culture. overall it is definitely a book of its time, which makes me sad because i want more stuff about scythians out there but this seems to be my best bet.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a good introduction to the Scythians. The art included is beautiful and works well with the text. Will definitely recommend this piece to those who want to know about the Scythians but don’t have much of a background on the topic.

[Myth Liberated · Rating 5 out of 5]

یکی از جذابترین کتابهای کسل کننده تاریخی که ظرف چند روز تو نوجوانی خوندم