Saka

Saka refers to an ancient Iranian-speaking nomadic people who played a significant role in Eurasian history during the early first millennium BCE. The term "Saka" is often used to describe a group of tribes that migrated across Central Asia, particularly in regions that include modern-day Iran, Afghanistan, Central Asia, and parts of India. They are closely associated with the Scythians, a broader nomadic culture renowned for their skilled horsemanship and warfare.

Historically, the Saka are first mentioned in Persian and Greek sources around the 9th century BCE. They are known for their distinctive art, characterized by elaborate animal motifs and intricate metalwork, which has been uncovered in archaeological sites across Eurasia. Their society was primarily nomadic, with a strong emphasis on cavalry-based warfare and pastoralism.

In the 8th and 7th centuries BCE, the Saka expanded their territory, establishing themselves in regions of Central Asia and the northern Indian subcontinent. Their movement into India, particularly around the 2nd century BCE, contributed to the decline of the Indo-Greek kingdoms and influenced local art and culture, notably in the Gandhara region.

The Saka's influence waned over time due to the rise of other nomadic and sedentary powers, such as the Huns and the Persian Empires. Nevertheless, their legacy persists through archaeological finds and cultural influences, especially in the regions they once inhabited.

Today, the term "Saka" is primarily used in historical and archaeological contexts to denote these ancient nomadic groups, whose movements and interactions significantly shaped Eurasian history and cultural development.