Szkít

Szkít is a term that refers to the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people who inhabited a vast area of the Eurasian Steppe, stretching from the Carpathians in the west to the Altai Mountains in the east, from roughly the 8th century BCE to the 4th century CE. Their culture and influence were widespread, and they are known for their distinctive art, weaponry, and equestrian skills.

The Scythians were primarily pastoralists, relying heavily on their herds of horses, cattle, and sheep. Their nomadic lifestyle led them to develop a highly mobile society, with settlements often consisting of mobile dwellings like yurts. They were renowned warriors, skilled in archery and cavalry combat, and their military prowess played a significant role in the regional politics of their time.

Archaeological discoveries, particularly from burial mounds known as kurgans, have provided invaluable insights into Scythian life. These kurgans have yielded rich grave goods, including elaborately decorated gold artifacts, weaponry, and skeletal remains that reveal details about their diet, health, and burial practices. Scythian art is characterized by its "animal style," featuring dynamic and often stylized depictions of animals, particularly horses, stags, and mythical creatures.

The Scythians interacted with various settled civilizations, including the Greeks, Persians, and Chinese, through trade and conflict. Greek historians like Herodotus provided some of the earliest written accounts of the Scythians, describing their customs and military campaigns. While the Scythians as a distinct cultural entity eventually faded, their legacy can be seen in the subsequent nomadic cultures of the steppe and their influence on the art and history of the regions they inhabited.