A LIST OF IRANIC SCYTHIAN TRIBES

A LIST OF IRANIC SCYTHIAN TRIBES

The Scythians were a group of ancient nomadic tribes of Iranian origin that inhabited the Eurasian steppes. Various sources mention different tribes within the Scythian confederation. Here are some of the notable Scythian tribes along with citations:

Royal Scythians: Considered the ruling class of the Scythians, they are often mentioned in historical texts as the dominant tribe.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.20-4.22)

Scoloti: Another term often used interchangeably with Scythians, specifically referring to the ruling tribe among them.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.6)

Saka: This term is used by Persian and Indian sources to describe Scythian tribes, especially those in the eastern parts of their range.Source: Darius I’s inscriptions at Behistun, and other Persian records

Massagetae: A significant Scythian tribe known for their conflict with the Persian Empire.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (1.201-1.216)

Getae: Sometimes associated with the Scythians, they inhabited the region around the lower Danube.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.93)

Sauromatae: Often linked with the Scythians, they lived northeast of the Black Sea.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.21)

Agathyrsi: A tribe often mentioned in connection with the Scythians, living in the Carpathian region.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.100)

Alazones: Located near the Dniester River, they are sometimes listed among the Scythian tribes.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.17)

Callipidae: A Greek-Scythian tribe living in the vicinity of the Black Sea.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.17)

Budini: Often mentioned in conjunction with the Scythians, residing in the forested areas of the steppe.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.21)

Neuri: A tribe that Herodotus mentions as living to the north of the Scythians.Source: Herodotus, The Histories (4.105)

These tribes illustrate the diversity and extent of the Scythian peoples across the Eurasian steppes. The primary source for much of our knowledge about the Scythians is Herodotus, who provides detailed accounts of their customs, territories, and interactions with other peoples.

REFERENCES:

Herodotus. The Histories.

Darius I. Behistun Inscription.