Who were the Scythians? Two and a half thousand years ago, a collection of nomadic tribes dominated territory from Europe to China.

 

The Scythians fascinated the ancients and now, a new analysis of archaeological discoveries in Kazakhstan and across the Great Steppes are shedding light on their remarkable world. These range from skulls showing ferocious battle trauma to the intricate gold plaques depicting Scythian horsemen to the fabulously decorated burial outfit of the Golden Man.

 

Historian Bettany Hughes reveals some surprising secrets of the dead, from their heady drug rituals and human sacrifices to their heroic warrior women.