Scythian Territorial Expanse, c. 700-300 BCE

Illustration

by Simeon Netchev
published on 30 June 2021

Subscribe to author

Scythian Territorial Expanse, c. 700-300 BCE — This map illustrates the westward expansion of the warrior-nomad Scythians between the 7th and 3rd century BCE across Asia and Europe. Originating in the Central Asian steppes, they spread into the Pontic region, shaping regional power dynamics through mobility, cavalry warfare, and a distinctive nomadic culture.

Their expansion was marked by mobility, skilled horsemanship, and a distinctive warrior culture centered on archery and mounted combat. As they migrated and settled, Scythian groups clashed with, traded with, and occasionally ruled over various peoples—from the Assyrians and Persians in the Near East to the Thracians and Greeks around the Black Sea. Archaeological finds, including kurgan burial mounds rich with gold artifacts, testify to their complex society and wide-ranging influence. Though eventually displaced by other nomadic groups such as the Sarmatians, the Scythians left a lasting imprint on the historical and mythological imagination of the ancient world.

Special thanks to Patrick Scott Smith for his research and input.

*Special thanks to Patrick Scott Smith for his research and input.*

Remove Ads

Subscribe to this author

About the Author

Simeon Netchev

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history teacher, passionate about the human stories that shape the past. He believes every image should tell a story and invite interaction, while every map should lead on a journey — blending imagination with e

License & Copyright

Uploaded by Simeon Netchev, published on 30 June 2021. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs. This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.

Related Images

Image

An Illustrated Map of the Mediterranean from 700 BCE to 500 CE (From the Novel "The Jericho River")

An illustrated map of the Mediterranean from 700 BCE to 500 CE...

Image

Cite This Work

APA Style

Netchev, S. (2021, June 30). Scythian Territorial Expanse, c. 700-300 BCE. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14359/scythian-territorial-expanse-c-700-300-bce/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Scythian Territorial Expanse, c. 700-300 BCE." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 30, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14359/scythian-territorial-expanse-c-700-300-bce/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "Scythian Territorial Expanse, c. 700-300 BCE." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 30 Jun 2021, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/14359/scythian-territorial-expanse-c-700-300-bce/. Web. 15 May 2025.