Herodotus And Scythia Summary

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Herodotus and Scythia
In Book 4 of his Histories, Herodotus described Scythia using a variety of sources and arguments. He gathered his information in many forms. Describing Scythia from multiple civilizations perspectives. Providing not just one point of view, but many stories followed by his input on which he thinks is most accurate. Herodotus discussed the Persian invasion on Scythia, speaking of the origins and history while the Persian army was advancing upon them. He writes extensively on the geography and diverse population. He argues about the contrast of strength and weaknesses of Scythia, and the pending forces of Persia. As well as of their nomadic lifestyle and primitive tendencies while helping the readers understand why.
Origin …show more content…

Treatment of enemy’s bodies taken in war “Many Scythians make cloaks to wear from the skins by stitching the scalps together like shepherds’ coats. Many also take the hands from the corpses of their enemies, skin them, and use them with the fingernails still intact as covers for their quivers.” (pg. 308, para. 1)
Writes extensively on the geography and diverse population. Herodotus saw this land as being a square surrounded by the sea on two sides. Greatest weapon they have is the nature of the land, and its immense rivers.
The Scythian campaign reveals how people willing to make extreme sacrifices for the defense of their liberty could take advantage of favorable geographical factors to frustrate even the boldest and most imaginative plan to make them crumble under the weight of Persian power. “They also decided to divide themselves into two groups. One of these, headed by King Skopasis and joined by the Sauromatai, was to retreat, and if the Persians turned in their direction, to flee along the coast of Lake Maeotis and head straight for the Tanais River. Then, if the Persians turned back, they were to pursue and attack them. That was the plan for one of the royal divisions. Of the other two royal divisions, Idanthyrsos ruled the larger part, and Taxakis was king of the third. Both of these were to unite with the Gelonians and Boudinoi and were also to withdraw, but always to stay ahead of the Persians by one day’s journey” (pg.330, para.

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