Warriors frozen in time
Get up close to the fearsome Scythians at this fascinating new exhibition.
More than 2,500 years ago, ferocious tribes of mounted warriors roamed the Siberian tundra. These master horsemen struck fear into the hearts of the ancient Greeks and Persians, so famous (or notorious) were they for their merciless fighting abilities. These warriors were the Scythians, and their culture is the subject of a major new exhibition at the British Museum, in London.
Though they may sound mysterious and far distant, we know a surprising amount about these ancient tribespeople, thanks to the inhospitable environment in which they lived – and died. Although they lived long ago, their remains are perfectly preserved, frozen in time by the sub-zero temperatures of the ground in which they were
buried. Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia, presents some of these extraordinary artefacts, many of them dating back more than 2,500 years. The Scythians’ empire lasted for 1,000 years, and stretched for thousands of miles, from the Black Sea, north of modern Turkey, to the borders of what is now China.
The British Museum is showing more than 200 objects, providing an insight into these warriors. Among the artefacts on display will be examples of the intricate headgear they used on their horses, as well as armour, a helmet and shields, discovered in ice tombs.
Among the show’s more gruesome exhibits are actual pieces of skin, from warriors who lived and died around 2,400 years ago. The fragments feature remarkable examples of Scythian tattooing.
The first show focused on the Scythians to be held in the UK for 40 years, this exhibition promises an extraordinary look into the brave and dangerous world of
an ancient culture.
Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia runs from 14 September until 14 January.
To find out more about the exhibition, check out tinyurl. com/TWJ-scythians