Blog & lookbook - Introduction: The Scythians

The Scythians were an Indo-European nomadic people who inhabited vast areas of the Eurasian steppe between 900 BCE and 400 CE. Their territory stretched from the Carpathians in the west to Mongolia in the east and was particularly characterized by a semi-nomadic horse-riding culture that flourished during the first millennium BCE.

In a broader sense, the term "Scythian" refers to a mosaic of peoples and cultures within the vast steppe, spanning different periods and known under various names. However, these groups shared a related "Scytho-Siberian culture," marked by the rapid spread of cultural innovations across great distances. Despite regional differences, this culture exhibited remarkable similarities, which resulted from close interactions and shared traditions.

Among this broader Scythian group, historically known peoples included the Sarmatians, Massagetae, and Saka. Ancient sources, such as Greek historians, often did not distinguish clearly between these groups. The territory they inhabited was known in classical antiquity as 'Scythia,' which was divided into Scythia Intra Imaum (west of the Imaus Mountains, the Pamir-Tianshan range) and Scythia Extra Imaum (east of it).

Archaeological Cultures & Migrations

In archaeology, many different cultures are identified. Sometimes these overlap with ethnic cultures, but often they do not. At the same time, cultural transitions should be viewed in context. In many cases, people simply underwent a change in customs. See this article for more information on Archaeological and Ethnic Cultures.

The Meaning of the Name "Scythians"

The name "Scythians" was used by ancient writers to describe the Indo-Iranian peoples of the Pontic Steppe and is applied in modern archaeology to the Indo-Iranian inhabitants of this region between 700-300 BCE. They were known for their equestrian culture and warfare. The name "Scythian" derives from the ancient word for archer (related to "shoot") and was used by various civilizations to describe these nomads, and later, other nomadic groups from the Eurasian steppes.

The Origins of the Scythians

The origin of the Scythians is long and complex. Proto-Indo-European steppe herders migrated towards Europe between 3500 and 3000 BCE, mixing with daughters of Neolithic farmers. Around 3000 BCE, they formed the Corded Ware Culture, which developed a distinct cultural identity across a vast area of Europe, from Ukraine, the Baltic states, and Russia to the Netherlands.

A segment of this culture (from the Baltic region and Hungary) migrated back to the Pontic steppe and the Moscow region. They became the Abashevo Culture, which later evolved around 2900 BCE into the Sintashta Culture, possibly the developers of the chariot. They mixed with the Srubnaya Culture, and between 2300-1000 BCE, the Andronovo Culture emerged. These Indo-Aryans migrated towards Iran, where they became the Indo-Iranians, towards the Levant, where they became the Mitanni, and towards India, where they established Vedic culture, which later gave rise to Hinduism. However, most of them remained in the steppes and formed the Fedorovo Culture.

This group then moved eastward, mixed with Mongolian neighbors, and became the Afanasievo Culture, which in turn developed into the Proto-Scythian Karasuk Culture around 1500-800 BCE. By this time, they had already mixed for thousands of years with various other steppe peoples. Yet, the Scythians retained a dominant Proto-Indo-European culture, religion, and social structure. Classical writers and recent DNA research suggest that this people maintained much of their Proto-Indo-European physical appearance. DNA studies also indicate that people from the Andronovo and Sintashta Cultures were genetically closely related to those of the Nordic Bronze Age.

Around 1000 BCE, the ancestors of the Scythians migrated back to the Pontic steppe. They formed tribal confederations that became part of the Chernogolovka-Novocherkassk Culture. These early nomads shared Proto-Indo-European roots and therefore had religious and cultural similarities. A unique side effect of migration and remigration is that modern Baltic languages have more in common with modern Iranian languages than many other Proto-Indo-European languages.

The Migration of the Scythians

The Scythians were part of a larger migration of Indo-Iranian nomads who entered Europe and Central Asia around 1000 BCE. This migration was largely driven by climate changes, which made it increasingly difficult for sedentary farmers in Central Asia to survive. As a result, these populations were forced to adopt a nomadic lifestyle, moving westward with their herds in search of better grazing lands, such as the Caucasus and the Eurasian steppes.

The Second Wave of Migration and Settlement in the Pontic Steppe

By 900 BCE, the Scythians, originally from Central Asia, were pushed westward by the Massagetae, another Iranian nomadic group. This displacement forced the Scythians to migrate westward, crossing the Araxes River and settling around the Caspian Sea and the Ciscaucasian steppe. By 800 BCE, the Scythians reached Europe, settling in the regions around the Pontic steppe, north of the Black Sea, in present-day Ukraine and southern Russia. Here, they developed a powerful kingdom and came into contact with agricultural Maeotic tribes, leading to a mixed culture.

The Scythians and the Cimmerians

Upon settling in the Ciscaucasian steppe, the Scythians encountered the Cimmerians, who had already inhabited the region. The Scythians gradually displaced the Cimmerians, who were ultimately assimilated. By 750 BCE, the Scythians had firmly established themselves in the Ciscaucasian steppe and expanded their influence to other areas in the region.

The Scythians in West Asia

Between 700-600 BCE, the Scythians expanded their influence into West Asia, particularly in Cis- and Transcaucasia, where they developed a military and cultural identity influenced by West Asian civilizations. The Scythians introduced advanced weaponry, such as the S-shaped bow, which was more effective than the weapons already present in the region. They also came into contact with the Assyrians, forming temporary alliances.

The Alliance with the Assyrians

Around 700 BCE, the Scythians collaborated with the Assyrians to weaken the Neo-Assyrian Empire. They participated in attacks on regions such as Parsuwaš and Bīt-Ḫambān, creating significant problems for the Assyrians. Around 672 BCE, King Bartatua of the Scythians married the Assyrian princess Šērūʾa-ēṭirat, forming an alliance with Assyria. This transformed the Scythians from enemies into allies, though they later distanced themselves from Assyria.

The Scythian Raids in the Levant

With the fall of the Neo-Assyrian Empire between 626-616 BCE, the Scythians exploited the power vacuum and launched raids into the Levant. They reached southern Palestine, an event foretold by the prophets of Judah, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zephaniah. Though the Scythians did not reach Jerusalem, they conquered several cities in Palestine and destroyed the temple of the goddess Astarte in Ascalon.

The Rise of the Persian Empire and Pressure on the Scythians

Between 550-539 BCE, the Achaemenid Persian Empire was founded by Cyrus II, King of the Persians. The Persians, closely related to the Scythians, expanded their influence southward, pushing the Scythians further north. This expansion of the Persian Empire created additional pressure on the Scythians, forcing them to defend their kingdom against this rising power.

The First Wave of Sarmatian Migration

East of the Scythian kingdom, along the Tanais River (modern Don River), lived the Sauromatians, an Iranian tribe related to the Scythians. Between 600-400 BCE, the Sauromatians maintained good relations with the Scythians. However, due to pressure from the Massagetae in Central Asia, the Sauromatians began to displace the Scythians. By the end of 600 BCE, they had driven the Scythians out of the Kuban Valley, forcing Scythian settlements in the region to be abandoned. The Sauromatians introduced new social norms, such as allowing women to become warriors, leading to the burial of female warriors in armed graves.

The Persian Invasion of 513 BCE

Around 513 BCE, the Persian Empire, under King Darius I, expanded into Europe. Darius led an army of 700,000 to 800,000 men into Scythian territory. King Idanthyrsus called upon neighboring tribes to resist the Persians. Alongside the Budini, Geloni, and Sauromatians, the Scythians defended their kingdom. The Scythians adopted a scorched-earth strategy, retreating further inland, destroying resources, and avoiding direct battles.

The Unclear Outcome of the Persian Campaign

The outcome of the campaign remains uncertain. Darius claimed victory, but Herodotus reported that the Scythians had defeated the Persians. This further solidified the Scythians' reputation as invincible warriors. Following the invasion, the Scythians sent a diplomatic mission to Sparta, seeking a military alliance against the Persians, but the planned attack on Persia never materialized.

The Decline of the Scythians

Between 300-200 BCE, the Scythians were defeated by the Sarmatians, another related nomadic group. By the early Middle Ages, the Scythians had been fully assimilated into the populations that later inhabited the Pontic steppe, causing their original culture and identity to fade.

The First Wave of Greek Colonization (8th-7th Century BCE)

As early as 800 BCE, the Greeks began expeditions to the Black Sea, leading to trade and the establishment of trading posts. By 700 BCE, Greek settlements became attractive due to population growth and Cimmerian raids. The region provided safe harbors, grain, and fish, facilitating trade. Miletus led this colonization, establishing around 90 colonies, and by 625 BCE, the Greeks had established contact with the Scythians.

The first Greek trading posts exchanged Greek goods such as oil and wine for local products such as grain, fish, and metals. Trade was peaceful and mutually beneficial.

Graeco-Scythian Trade Activities

The Scythian aristocracy purchased luxury goods, such as Greek wine and pottery, as status symbols. As Scythian influence in West Asia declined, the demand for Greek ceramics grew, strengthening the trade route along the northern Black Sea coast.

The Second Wave of Greek Colonization (c. 600 BCE)

Around 600 BCE, after most Scythians had settled in the Pontic Steppe, a second wave of Greek colonization took place. Settlers from Miletus, Corinth, Phocaea, and Megara established colonies in fertile regions. Relations with the Scythians were peaceful, with no need for defensive walls. Between 580-560 BCE, nine new colonies were founded. Panticapaeum became the most important city, supplying the Scythian aristocracy. The Greeks traded wine, olive oil, and luxury goods in exchange for furs, fish, slaves, and grain. Olbia grew into a commercial hub, particularly in trade with Athens.

The Third Wave of Greek Colonization (560-530 BCE)

After Cyrus II conquered Lydia in 547 BCE, many Greek refugees migrated to the northern Black Sea coast. New colonies such as Nymphaion and Athenaion were established. These colonies produced grain for export to Athens, which, after 525 BCE, could no longer import grain from Egypt. The Greeks also imported fish, furs, and slaves from Scythian territory and began recruiting Scythian mercenaries. Relations remained mostly peaceful, although some colonies, such as Kremnoi and Panticapaeum, were destroyed by the Scythians between 550-525 BCE.

Society and Culture

Scythian Art

The art of the Scythians is characterized by a unique and recognizable style, often associated with their funerary rituals. Kings and other prominent members of society were buried in kurgans, monumental burial mounds containing richly decorated objects, horses, and jewelry. In addition to these artifacts, women, servants, and horses were often killed and buried alongside the deceased as part of ritualistic practices meant to accompany them into the afterlife.

Artistic Characteristics

Scythian art is known for its mosaics and decorative elements in a distinctive style, with animal motifs at its core. Horses, griffins, and other mythical creatures frequently appear, as well as plants. The designs are characterized by sharp lines, which separate surfaces and create a sense of tension and dynamism.

Scythian art was not only functional but also served as a symbol of power, identity, and religious beliefs, making it an integral part of their culture and heritage.

People

The Scythians were part of the broader cultures of nomadic Iranian peoples who moved through the Eurasian steppe. They shared many similarities with other steppe peoples, such as weapons, horse harnesses, and the so-called "Animal Style" in art.

The Scythians originated from the Eurasian steppe, an environment that compelled them to live as pastoralists. This constant movement in search of grazing lands influenced nearly every aspect of their lives, from their housing structures and clothing styles to their cooking methods.

This nomadic culture relied on a self-sufficient economy, where horses played a central role in both peaceful trade and warfare. Horses provided Scythian warriors with a strategic advantage until the invention of firearms.

Because the Scythians had no written language, their non-material culture can only be reconstructed through texts from non-Scythian authors, comparisons with other Iranian peoples, and archaeological findings.

Scythian Language

Little is known about the Scythian language, also called Scytho-Sarmatian. Our knowledge comes from only a handful of sources, including short inscriptions, personal names, and place names.

Most scholars believe that modern Ossetian, through the language of the Alans, traces back at least partially to a Scythian dialect. This suggests that the Scythian language belonged to the Eastern Iranian branch of the Indo-European language family. However, it is possible that other languages were spoken within Scythian culture, given the diversity of the peoples associated with it.

Chronological Development

The Scythian linguistic tradition is typically divided into three phases:

Scythian (c. 800–300 BCE): This period is mainly known through references in classical Greek sources.
Sarmatian (c. 300 BCE–400 CE): This phase is primarily documented in Hellenistic and Roman inscriptions.
Alanian (c. 400–1000 CE): This language, spoken by the Alans, is mainly known from Byzantine Greek sources.

The Conflict Between the Cimmerians and the Arrival of the Scythians

The Cimmerians, facing internal division over how to respond to the Scythian invasion, became embroiled in civil conflict. During this struggle, the "Royal Tribe" of the Cimmerians was completely annihilated. Their dead were buried in their homeland, near the Tyras River (modern Dniester).

The Cimmerians who chose to flee—which triggered the conflict with the Royal Tribe—left the area before the Scythians arrived. These migrating Cimmerians entered Asia and established a settlement, which later became the Greek city of Sinope.

Aristeas Describes a Chain of Migrations and Invasions:
The Arimaspi conquered the land of the Issedones.
The Issedones, in turn, moved into Scythian territory.
The Scythians then invaded the land of the Cimmerians, triggering a new wave of migration.

Social Organization

Unlike many other Indo-European cultures, the Scythians maintained their steppe pastoralist lifestyle, offering a unique insight into how such a society functioned.

Scythian society was based on agreements and mutual obligations. A herder who lost livestock could borrow animals from another, forming a client-lord relationship. The client could be called upon in times of war, while the lord had the obligation to protect them. This system extended to their descendants, ensuring long-term hospitality and loyalty.

As time passed, social inequality grew. Herodotus only mentioned the three Scythian social classes once, but his explanation provides insight into their Indo-European creation mythology.

The Catiari (Κατιαροι) and the Traspies (Τρασπιες), the farmer and worker class, descended from Arpoxais, the middle son of the mythical ancestor Targitaos, and held the lowest social rank.

The Auchatae, the priestly class, descended from Lipoxais, the eldest son of Targitaos, and occupied the middle class.

The Royal Scythians (Scoloti or Paralatae), the warrior aristocracy, descended from Kolaxais, the youngest son of Targitaos, and held the highest social position. The Scythian kings belonged to this ruling elite.

Clan Structures

Scythian society was based on kinship structures, where clan groups formed the core of both community and political organization.

Within Scythian religion, a genealogical myth justified the divine right of kings to rule.

Clan elders—or possibly the Scythian equivalent of bards—held significant power and could even overthrow kings. For instance, the Scythian army deposed King Scyles, demanding his extradition from the Thracians, after which he was executed. This event further solidified the authority of both the king and the warrior aristocracy.

As an extension of clan-based relationships, the Scythians also practiced blood brotherhood. In this ritual, the blood of the sworn brothers was mixed in a cup of wine. Their swords, arrows, battle axes, and spears were then dipped into the mixture before they drank it together.

Patriarchy

Scythian society was patriarchal, with women subordinate to men. However, women of the upper classes had the freedom to ride horses, while lower-class women often had more restricted roles and spent most of their time indoors. Among the more nomadic tribes, women and children primarily lived in wagons that traveled with the clans.

Herodotus noted that women among the Sauromatians held a higher status than among the Scythians. With a wave of Sarmatian immigration in the late 6th century BCE, the position of women in Scythian society improved, allowing them to serve as warriors from the Middle Scythian period onward.

Marriage Customs

Polygamy was common among the upper classes. Scythian kings had harems with both local and purchased wives. Some were legal spouses, while others were concubines. After a Scythian man's death, his principal wives or concubines were often killed and buried with him. This practice bears similarities to Viking, Vedic, and later Indian customs.

Royal Tombs

The tombs of the Scythian kings were located in the land of the Gerrhi, where the Borysthenes River (Dnieper) first becomes navigable. A large square grave was dug for the deceased king. His abdomen was cut open, cleaned, filled with herbs, sewn shut, and coated with wax. His body was then placed on a wagon and paraded through all the Scythian tribes. After this journey, the wagon returned to the land of the Gerrhi, the most remote of all the Scythian districts. The body was laid on a mattress inside the grave, and spears were planted at each side, supporting wooden planks covered with twigs to form a roof.

Around the king, his concubines, who had been strangled, were buried alongside his cupbearer, cook, stablemaster, servant, and messenger, as well as several horses, precious possessions, and golden cups.

Afterward, the Scythians built the largest burial mound possible over the tomb. One year later, 50 of the king’s best young servants, along with 50 horses, were strangled and sacrificed. Their stomachs were opened, cleaned, filled, and sewn shut. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground in pairs, with half-wheel rims placed on top. Each horse was impaled from tail to neck, placed above the half-wheels, with its legs hanging in the air. The horses were fitted with bits, and their reins were tied to stakes in front of them.

The dead servants were impaled in the same manner, with the pole passing through both the horse and the rider, making them appear as mounted warriors. These 50 mounted figures were arranged in a circle around the burial mound and left in place.

Religion

The religion of the Scythians developed from Indo-European paganism and shared many similarities with Old Norse, Greek, and Vedic religions. Around 1200 BCE, Zoroastrianism emerged among Indo-Iranians—possibly as a peaceful response to the Scythian culture of cattle raiding. While Indo-European religions were dharmic and focused on cosmic order, Zoroastrianism introduced the dualism of good and evil.

The Scythians did not adopt Zoroastrianism, possibly because it arose in opposition to their way of life. However, Zoroastrianism later influenced their culture.

The use of cannabis to induce trance states and shamanistic practices were key elements of Scythian belief systems, alongside a rich mythology and a structured pantheon.

Physical Appearance of the Scythians

The Scythians had an appearance that closely resembled the European population. Persian sculptures and Scythian gold artifacts depict them as sturdy and powerfully built, with pronounced facial features and thick, wavy hair.

The elite among the Scythians were remarkably tall. The men were often taller than 1.80 meters, sometimes more than 1.90 meters, and in exceptional cases even above 2 meters. This height difference, usually 10 to 15 centimeters compared to common Scythian citizens, was considered a status symbol. Skeletal analysis shows that the Scythians had longer arms and legs and stronger bones than the people who later inhabited their territories.

The Greek historian Herodotus described in the 5th century BCE the Budini of Scythia as red-haired and gray-eyed. In the same period, Hippocrates stated that the Scythians had light skin, while the poet Callimachus in the 3rd century BCE spoke of blond Arimaspi (a Scythian tribe). The Chinese envoy Zhang Qian described the Sai (related to the Scythians) in the 2nd century BCE as people with blue or yellowish eyes, possibly hazel-colored.

Later, in the 2nd century CE, Clement of Alexandria wrote that the Scythians and Celts had long chestnut-colored hair. Philosopher Polemon called them northern people with red hair and blue-gray eyes. Physician Galen confirmed this and mentioned them, along with other northern peoples, as red-haired. Gregory of Nyssa, a bishop from the 4th century, described the Scythians as people with fair skin and blond hair. Physician Adamantius repeated in the 5th century that they had blond hair

Command structure

The high king had the highest authority over the armies of the Royal Scythians and their subordinate tribes; the local lords were responsible for the army of a district (nome); the clan chiefs were responsible for the warrior groups.

The districts of the Scythian kingdom were responsible for spreading information about the war during the Persian invasion of Scythian territory.

Tactics

The Scythians fought in mass formations of mounted archers and were skilled in the use of feigned retreat tactics.

Weaponry

Some Scythian warriors wore luxurious protective armor, such as scale armor. Ordinary warriors were usually unarmored and relied on their maneuverability.

The scale armor was adopted by the Scythians from the peoples of West Asia in the 7th century BCE and became an important aspect of Scythian culture in the northern Pontic regions. Scale armor was also used to protect horses.

The Scythian aristocracy used bronze helmets of the Kuban type. Later, Greek helmets, such as the Attic, Corinthian, Chalcidian, and Thracian helmets, were used, replacing the Caucasian-made Kuban-type helmets in the 6th century BCE. Composite scale helmets, made of iron or bronze plates, began to be used in the later 6th century BCE.

Greek greaves were imported from the 5th century BCE onwards.

The Scythians used locally made small shields of leather, reed, or wood, reinforced with iron strips. The shields of Scythian aristocrats were often decorated with central ornamental plates.

Mounted archery was the combat method for the free common Scythians, who in Greek were called hippotoxotai (Greek: ιπποτοξοται, literally 'horse archers').

Economy

Within the Pontic Steppe, the invading Scythian conquerors established themselves as the ruling elite over the local population and assimilated them while allowing them to continue their different lifestyles and economic organizations.

The peoples of Scythia were thus agro-pastoralists, consisting of a mix of sedentary farming populations and nomads, with the tribes living in the steppes remaining primarily nomadic and having lifestyles and customs that were inseparably linked to their nomadic way of life.

The dominant tribe, the Royal Scythians, originally led a transhumant warrior-pastoralist nomadic way of life, spending the summer in the northern steppes and migrating south toward the coasts in winter.

Scythian Economic Developments at a Glance

Migration and New Technologies: The Scythians introduced new technologies such as ironworking and scale armor to the Pontic Steppe. These innovations enhanced their military power, allowing them to dominate the region.

Economic Growth: In the 5th century BCE, Scythian influence expanded. Grain trade became a major source of wealth, with Greek colonies as trade partners. The Bosporan Kingdom became an important grain supplier to Greece.

Slave Trade: The Scythians began selling slaves to Greek cities in the 5th century BCE. They captured slaves from subjugated tribes and sold them in Pontic Olbia.

Other Export Products: Besides slaves, the Scythians traded livestock and animal products. The Greeks supplied luxury goods, including wine, textiles, jewelry, and bronze objects.

Greek Influence and Artistic Development: Scythian art began adopting Greek motifs, particularly in weapons and horse equipment. The Scythians incorporated Greek culture, creating a fusion of both artistic styles.

Early Sedentarization: From the early 6th century BCE, intensive trade with the Greeks led to more sedentary economic structures. This was reinforced by climate changes, which improved pasture growth for livestock.

Cities and Administrative Changes: By the late 5th century BCE, Kamianka and Yelizavetovskaya became key Scythian cities, serving as centers of trade, culture, and administration.

Struggles for Succession: In 440 BCE, King Scyles was overthrown by his half-brother Octamasadas, who seized power. Scythian dominance over the Greek colonies grew, especially under Scyles, who demanded tribute from cities such as Nikōnion and Olbia.

Foreign Relations: The Scythians influenced other peoples such as the Thracians and Bosporans. They expanded their influence over the Bosporan Kingdom, which benefited from Scythian support. The city of Olbia declined, while the Bosporus became the center of luxury trade.

Rise of the Sauromatians: Between 430 and 400 BCE, the Sauromatians migrated into Scythia, temporarily affecting Scythian power. However, the Scythians recovered quickly and experienced a golden age in the 4th century BCE.

The Scythian Golden Age: During the 4th century BCE, Scythian culture flourished, fueled by prosperity from grain trade and Greek influence. The Scythian aristocracy embraced Greek customs, leading to a strongly Hellenized culture.

King Ateas: The most famous Scythian king, Ateas (360–339 BCE), expanded his kingdom into Thrace and the Greek cities of the Black Sea. His conflict with Philip II of Macedon ended with his death in 339 BCE.

Decline of Scythian Influence: After Ateas' death, Scythian power declined due to the rise of Macedon, though the Scythian kingdom survived in a weakened state.

The End of the Scythian Kingdom

By the end of the 4th century BCE, the Scythian kingdom in the Pontic region collapsed due to military defeats. Battles against King Philip II of Macedon weakened the Scythians, but when Alexander the Great campaigned in the region, he chose not to attack the Scythians directly. However, in 335 BCE, he crossed the Istros River, which disrupted trade, particularly in Pontic Olbia.

Between 339 and 329 BCE, an unknown Scythian king waged war against King Pairisadēs I of the Bosporan Kingdom. In 331 BCE, Alexander’s general Zopyrion led a failed campaign against the Getae and Scythians, marking the beginning of Olbia’s decline. In 329 BCE, the Scythians attempted to form an alliance with Alexander, but their king died and was succeeded by his brother Agaros. Agaros was defeated in 313 BCE by Lysimachus, the Macedonian king of Thrace.

In the early 3rd century BCE, the Scythian kingdom suffered economic decline due to overgrazing, climate changes, and the rise of the Sarmatians, who attacked the Scythians. The Sarmatians, being more dynamic and aggressive, conquered the steppe, displacing the Scythians. The Scythian capital Kamianka was abandoned, and Scythian culture faded, as seen in the halt of large burial mound constructions and the desertion of cities like Gelonus.

With the fall of the Scythian kingdom, the Scythians lost their influence over the Pontic Steppe. Greek inscriptions stopped mentioning Scythian slaves, who were replaced by Sarmatians and other regional peoples. The area was renamed "Sarmatia Europa," with the Sarmatians becoming the dominant power.

By 280 BCE, the Sarmatians reached the city of Chersonesus on the Tauric Peninsula, and between 270 and 260 BCE, many Greek settlements on the Black Sea were destroyed. The remaining Scythians in the Tauric Peninsula had become vassals of a Sarmatian tribe. Meanwhile, Celtic, Thracian, and Germanic tribes pressured the Scythians by taking over their territories.

By the beginning of the 2nd century BCE, the Sarmatians were so powerful that they stopped the advance of other groups, such as the Celts.

The dominance of Scythian-Sarmatian nomads over the Pontic Steppe ended around 200 CE, when the Goths and other Germanic tribes invaded. This led to the destruction of Scythian settlements on the Crimea and along the lower Borysthenes River (Dnieper).

However, the Scythians survived until after the Hunnic invasion in the 4th century CE. Eventually, they ceased to exist as a distinct group, becoming fully assimilated into other populations during the Great Migration Period of the 5th century CE. Their relatives, the Sarmatians, also persisted until the Hunnic invasion, with a branch of them evolving into the Alan people.