The evidence and citations supporting the claim that the Scythians spoke Iranic languages are based on various sources, including archaeological finds, historical accounts, and linguistic analysis.
1. Archaeological finds: Excavations in the regions where the Scythians lived, such as the Pontic-Caspian steppe and Central Asia, have uncovered numerous artifacts with inscriptions in a script known as the Old Persian cuneiform. These inscriptions, dating back to the Achaemenid period (6th-4th centuries BCE), mention the interaction between the Persian Empire and the Scythians, indicating a linguistic connection between the two.
2. Historical accounts: Greek historians, such as Herodotus, Strabo, and Hippocrates, wrote about the Scythians and their language. Herodotus, in particular, described the Scythian language as a dialect of Persian, emphasizing the similarities between the two. These accounts provide valuable information about the linguistic characteristics and cultural practices of the Scythians.
3. Linguistic analysis: Scholars have analyzed the linguistic features of the Scythian language based on the available evidence. The Scythian inscriptions, when deciphered, show similarities to other Iranic languages, such as Old Persian, Middle Persian, and Sogdian. These linguistic similarities suggest a shared linguistic heritage among the Scythians and other Iranic-speaking peoples.
In conclusion, the evidence and citations supporting the claim that the Scythians spoke Iranic languages include archaeological finds, historical accounts, and linguistic analysis. These sources provide valuable insights into the linguistic and cultural context of the Scythians and their connection to the broader Iranic-speaking world.
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