Observations on Cimmerians and Scythians in Anatolia in the Light of Some Findings

Abstract

It's known that the nomadic people such as Cimmerians and Scythians were active among the Iron Ages cultures in Anatolia. Beginning the eight century B.C. their traces can be observe on historical source and some archeological finds in Anatolia. It's their culturel and historical activity that we want to show in this study. Initially, entering the Anatolia Cimmerians cause of important changing on culturel and historical life in settled people. Then, their consecutive were Scythians who have also affected the same activity. They were strong enough to destruct some Anatolian cities and civilizations such as Urartians, Phrygians, Lydians and Ionian cities. We know that the nomads are unsettled people and they have'nt got a settled culture. For that reason, ıt's not easy to find nomadic art compenents in Anatolia. It's neccesary to know writing source about them. Because we learn about their activity and culture from some ancient writers and historians. Due to the lack of archeological data their activity not comprehension completely in Anatolia. Nomadic art materials that research in this study occurs the findings which are coming from museums and excavations. Results of investigations we can separate the archaeological materials as follows: Harnesses: Çavuştepe (Fig. 1-2, 12-13); Norşuntepe (Fig. 3-4, 14-15); Sardes (Fig. 5, 9); finds from İstanbul Museum (Fig. 6-8, 10-11); Plaques with animal depiction: Gordion (Fig. 16); Sardes (Fig. 17) Arrow heads, Battle Axes, swords: İmirler (Amasya) (Fig. 18, 23); Muş (Fig. 20); Axe from İstanbul Museum (Fig. 19).