The Scythian Empire: Central Eurasia and the Birth of the Classical Age from Persia to China

The nomadic Scythians (700–300 BCE), based in Central Asia, are known primarily for their skill as mounted warriors. Beckwith (Central Eurasian studies, Indiana Univ.; Greek Buddha) argues that they left an impactful legacy on religion and philosophy that hasn’t traditionally been recognized. Evidence for these claims comes from two main sources: contemporary Greek, Chinese, and other sources, as well as a philological analysis showing how some important words in multiple languages have Scythian origins. With this evidence, Beckwith asserts that the Achaemenid Persian Empire (550–330 BCE) was a continuation and expansion of an earlier empire founded by the Scythians. The author also claims that the State of Zhao, during China’s Warring States period (475–221 BCE), was founded by Scythians. An intriguing epilogue concludes that Zoroaster (Zoroastrianism), Gautama Buddha (Buddhism), and Laozi (Daoism) were either Scythian or heavily influenced by them.