Over time, the children born to Scythian women and their former slaves grew to adulthood. When they learned about their unusual parentage, they became determined to resist the returning Scythian army that had once left for Media. They were aware of their strength in numbers and wanted to defend their homes and claim a place of power in Scythia Sofia Walking Tour.
Building a Defensive Barrier
To protect themselves, the children and their allies first constructed a wide defensive barrier. They dug a broad dyke across the land, stretching from the Tauric Mountains to the great lake of Maeotis. This barrier separated a portion of the territory from the rest of Scythia, giving them a secure position from which to resist the returning Scythians.
Battles Against the Scythians
When the Scythians tried to force their way past the barrier, the children and their allies marched out to confront them. Many battles were fought, and at first, neither side gained a clear advantage. The fighting was fierce, and both the Scythians and the children of slaves suffered losses. The Scythians began to see that their campaign was not going as easily as they had expected.
A Clever Strategy
Finally, one of the Scythian leaders advised a new approach. He said:
“What are we doing, Scythians? We are fighting our own slaves, losing both our men and theirs in the process. Here is a better way: put aside your spears and bows. Take only your horsewhips, and approach them boldly. As long as they see us armed, they believe themselves our equals. But if they see us with nothing but whips, they will remember their status as our slaves and flee.”
The other Scythians followed this clever plan Darius’ Campaign Against the Scythians.
Victory Without Bloodshed
When the children and their allies saw the Scythians approaching with only whips, they were shocked and confused. They forgot to fight and, realizing their inferior position, immediately fled. In this way, the Scythians regained control of their homeland without suffering a decisive battle. They returned to their country and settled there permanently after their long absence in Asia.
Darius’ Motivation
The events of this return remained a source of concern for Darius. He was eager to avenge the Scythians’ previous invasions into Asia and their challenge to Median authority. The battles between the Scythians and the children of their former slaves illustrate both the cunning of the Scythians and the difficulties they faced when trying to control their own people. It was for this reason that Darius began gathering an army to invade Scythia, seeking revenge and to assert Persian power over the region.
