History of the Nomads: From the Cimmerians to the Sarmatians

The history of Indo-European nomads begins with the mysterious Cimmerians, who launched lightning raids on Urartu and Lydia as early as the 8th–7th centuries BCE. Their place in the Black Sea steppes was taken by the Scythians—masters of the “animal style” and war bows, whose horsemen forced even the armies of Darius I to retreat. After 300 years of Scythian dominance, they were pushed out by the Sarmatian tribes of the Iazyges, Roxolani, and Aorsi. These warriors perfected the shock assault of heavy cavalry and repeatedly brought Roman legions to their knees. In this video, we trace the evolution of nomadic life, weapons, and tactics—from the bronze chariots of the Cimmerians to the iron swords and scale armor of the Sarmatians. We explore ancient sources—from Assyrian cuneiform tablets to Herodotus—examine kurgan treasures, and explain why the “steppe empires” eventually gave way to the Huns and Goths. Finally, we’ll discuss how these peoples influenced the development of trade, mythology, and even medieval chivalry.