Scythian religion

Scythian stelae 01

Pazyryk presentation scene

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Scythian Religion refers to the religious practices and beliefs of the Scythians, a group of Iranian peoples who lived in what is now Southern Siberia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia from around the 9th century BC to the 4th century AD. Their religion was polytheistic, with a pantheon of gods related to nature, war, and fertility. This article explores the key aspects of Scythian religion, including its deities, rituals, and archaeological evidence.

Deities and Beliefs

The Scythians worshipped a variety of deities, many of whom were common in the Indo-European pantheon. The chief god was Tabiti, a goddess often associated with fire and hearth, reflecting her role as a protector of the family and domestic sphere. Other important gods included Papaios, the sky god; Api, the earth goddess; Goitosyros, the god of war; and Argimpasa, a goddess associated with love and fertility. The Scythians also had a deep reverence for their ancestors, believing in an afterlife where the soul would join these ancestors.

Rituals and Practices

Scythian religious practices were closely tied to their nomadic lifestyle and the natural world. They performed animal sacrifices, particularly horses, as offerings to their gods and ancestors. These sacrifices were often part of elaborate burial rituals, which also included grave goods such as weapons, jewelry, and items for personal adornment, indicating a belief in an afterlife where such items would be needed.

Divination was another important aspect of Scythian religion. They practiced a form of divination using the shoulder blades of sheep, which were burned and then interpreted to predict the future. This practice reflects the broader Eurasian tradition of scapulimancy.

Archaeological Evidence

Much of what is known about Scythian religion comes from archaeological findings, including kurgans (burial mounds) and artifacts such as gold jewelry, weapons, and ritual objects. The Pazyryk burials, discovered in the Altai Mountains, are among the most significant archaeological sites for understanding Scythian religious practices. These burials, which date from the 4th to the 3rd century BC, contained mummified bodies, elaborate textiles, and detailed tattoos, all of which provide insights into Scythian beliefs and rituals.

Influence and Legacy

Scythian religion had a significant influence on the religious practices of other cultures in the region. Their pantheon of gods and ritual practices were integrated into the religions of later Iranian peoples, and there were also interactions with the Greek religion, particularly in the Black Sea region where the Scythians had extensive contact with Greek colonies.

Conclusion

Scythian religion offers a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual life of a culture that thrived in the Eurasian steppes for centuries. Through their deities, rituals, and burial practices, the Scythians expressed a deep connection to the natural world and the ancestral past, elements that were central to their identity as a people.