The New Archaeological Evidences for the Historical Presence of Scythian Tribes in Iran

Abstract

Scythian tribes, one of the most significant tribes in the first millennium B.C, had a main role in historical and archaeological studies. In Median era, such tribes arrived at Iran and took the control of north- western territories of Iran for a short time. The field studies of archaeology have the fundamental role for researches on Scythian tribes. Recently, one of the most important documents of the historical presence of Scythian tribes has been founded through an archaeological excavation in Khoram Abad cemetery of Meshgin Shahr in Ardebil province. This study endeavors to investigate the presence of Scythian tribes in Iran based on archaeological data and historical studies. The outcome of archaeological researches, which are related to Scythian burial and the importance of horse burial with the specific objects as the gift for the Scythian nobles, confirms the narratives of Herodotus. Based on his reports, the Scythian had the splendid funeral and they took the control of the western territories of Asia. Such narratives have been doubtfully regarded by some researchers. These outcomes can be compared with other ones in Scythian burial in different sites of the world.

Keywords

• : Western Asia
• North – Western Iran
• Scythian tribes
• Khoram Abad Cemetery
• Scythian Burial
• Horse Burial