The Iranian Scythian-Sarmatian Origins of the Ukrainian Peoples

The Iranian Scythian-Sarmatian Origins of the Ukrainian Peoples

The origins of the Ukrainian people are often traced to the ancient Slavic tribes and the rise of the Kievan Rus', but there is a deeper, more ancient layer to Ukrainian heritage that reaches back to the Iranian-speaking nomadic tribes of the Eurasian steppe—the Scythians and Sarmatians. These Iranian-speaking peoples played a formative role in shaping the cultural and genetic makeup of the lands that would later become Ukraine. Through their migrations, interactions, and influence over centuries, the Scythians and Sarmatians left a lasting imprint on the region, one that is still evident in the historical, cultural, and even genetic landscape of Ukraine.

The Scythians: Iranian Nomads of the Steppe

The Scythians were a group of Iranian-speaking nomadic tribes who roamed the vast steppes of what is now Ukraine, southern Russia, and Central Asia from around the 9th century BCE to the 2nd century BCE. Known for their horseback archery skills and warrior culture, the Scythians were part of a larger network of Iranian-speaking peoples who dominated the Eurasian steppe, stretching from the Carpathian Mountains in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east.

Herodotus, the Greek historian, provides some of the earliest accounts of the Scythians, describing them as a powerful and fierce people who inhabited the lands north of the Black Sea. Their culture was rich with Iranian religious beliefs, burial practices, and social structures. The Scythians worshipped a pantheon of deities similar to those of other Indo-Iranian cultures, with Tabiti (a fire goddess akin to the Zoroastrian Atar) being one of their primary deities .

Archaeological evidence supports the Scythians' extensive presence in what is now Ukraine. The most notable finds include the burial mounds, or "kurgans," which dot the Ukrainian landscape. These mounds, filled with treasures, weapons, and horses, provide a glimpse into the Scythians' nomadic way of life and their belief in an afterlife. Their art, known as "Scythian art," is characterized by intricate depictions of animals and mythological creatures, reflecting their deep connection to nature and their warrior ethos .

The Sarmatians: Successors to the Scythians

As the Scythians began to decline in the 2nd century BCE, they were gradually replaced by another Iranian-speaking people—the Sarmatians. Originating in the region east of the Volga River, the Sarmatians were closely related to the Scythians both linguistically and culturally. By the 2nd century BCE, the Sarmatians had migrated westward, establishing dominance over much of the Pontic-Caspian steppe, including present-day Ukraine.

The Sarmatians shared many cultural traits with the Scythians, such as their nomadic lifestyle, horseback warfare, and Iranian religious traditions. However, the Sarmatians were more stratified than the Scythians, with a strong emphasis on warrior aristocracy. The Sarmatian women were famously known for their role as warriors, a characteristic that may have contributed to the later legends of the Amazons .

The influence of the Sarmatians on the region was significant. By the 1st century CE, they had become a dominant force in Eastern Europe, interacting with both the Roman Empire and various Germanic tribes. Their presence in Ukraine is attested by numerous archaeological finds, including burial sites, weapons, and jewelry that bear striking similarities to those of the Scythians. The Sarmatians, like the Scythians before them, left behind a rich legacy that would be absorbed by the Slavic tribes that later settled the region.

The Iranian Influence on the Early Slavs

While the Slavic peoples, who are the primary ancestors of modern Ukrainians, did not enter the historical record until the early medieval period, they were heavily influenced by the Iranian-speaking nomads who preceded them. The Scythians and Sarmatians had established long-lasting trade routes, cultural exchanges, and even intermarriages with the local populations of the region. As a result, when the Slavs began to settle in the lands of modern Ukraine, they encountered a cultural landscape that had already been shaped by centuries of Iranian influence.

Linguistic evidence suggests that the early Slavs borrowed many words from the Iranian languages spoken by the Scythians and Sarmatians. These loanwords are most evident in the fields of agriculture, warfare, and religion, indicating the profound impact these Iranian-speaking peoples had on the early Slavic way of life .

Furthermore, genetic studies have shown that the modern Ukrainian population contains traces of Scythian and Sarmatian ancestry. While the majority of Ukrainians are of Slavic descent, there is a small but notable genetic component that can be traced back to the Iranian-speaking nomads who once ruled the steppes. This genetic legacy, combined with the archaeological and linguistic evidence, underscores the deep connection between the Ukrainian people and their Scythian-Sarmatian predecessors .

The Scythian and Sarmatian Legacy in Ukrainian Culture

The legacy of the Scythians and Sarmatians is not only genetic but also cultural. Many of the folk traditions, myths, and legends of Ukraine bear traces of the nomadic warrior ethos that characterized these Iranian-speaking peoples. For example, the Ukrainian tradition of "Cossackdom," which arose in the 15th century, bears striking similarities to the lifestyle of the ancient Scythians and Sarmatians. The Cossacks, like their nomadic predecessors, were skilled horsemen and warriors who valued freedom, honor, and a close connection to the land .

Moreover, the Scythians and Sarmatians left behind a rich artistic tradition that has influenced Ukrainian art for centuries. The "animal style" of Scythian art, with its intricate depictions of animals and nature, can still be seen in the traditional embroidery, pottery, and metalwork of Ukraine.

Conclusion

The Iranian Scythians and Sarmatians were more than just passing nomads in the history of Ukraine—they were integral to the formation of the region's identity. Their influence can be seen in the cultural, linguistic, and genetic heritage of the Ukrainian people. While the Slavic tribes and the Kievan Rus' are the more commonly recognized ancestors of modern Ukraine, the deep roots of Scythian and Sarmatian heritage remind us that the story of Ukraine is one of complex interactions between different peoples and cultures across millennia. Through the Scythians and Sarmatians, Ukraine maintains a connection to the ancient Iranian world, a bond that continues to shape its history and identity today.

---

References

1. Herodotus. Histories.
2. Sulimirski, T. (1970). The Sarmatians. New York: Praeger Publishers.
3. Di Cosmo, N. (2002). Ancient China and Its Enemies: The Rise of Nomadic Power in East Asian History. Cambridge University Press.
4. Mallory, J.P., & Mair, V.H. (2000). The Tarim Mummies: Ancient China and the Mystery of the Earliest Peoples from the West. Thames & Hudson.
5. Ivantchik, A. (2018). "The Scythians". The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Iran. Oxford University Press.
6. Bessmertny, V. (2006). Scythians in Ukraine: Historical and Archaeological Studies.