Ateas facts for kids

Ateas (around 429 BC – 339 BC) was a very powerful Scythian king. Ancient Greek and Roman writers described him as the strongest ruler of Scythia. He lost his life and his kingdom in a big battle against Philip II of Macedon in 339 BC. His name can also be found spelled as Atheas, Ateia, Ataias, and Ateus.

How Ateas United Scythia

Historians are not sure if Ateas was born into the royal family of Scythia. Many believe he took power from other Scythian kings. He brought together many Scythian tribes under his rule. By the 340s BC, he controlled a huge area. This land stretched between the Danube River and the Maeotian marshes.

Archaeologists believe they found his main city. It was near the town of Kamianka. This town is located on the Dnieper.

The writer Plutarch shared some interesting stories about Ateas. These stories show his personality and how he felt about Greek culture. Once, Ateas captured a great musician named Ismenias. He told Ismenias to play music. When others praised the music, Ateas said it was more pleasant to hear a horse neigh.

Ateas also wrote a letter to Philip II. He told Philip: "You rule over Macedonians, who are good at fighting. I rule over Scythians, who can fight with hunger and thirst." This showed his pride in his people's toughness.

The Conflict with Philip II of Macedon

As Ateas grew older, he started to expand his power. He moved into areas that were important to Macedon. Greek sources mention his fight against the Histriani tribe in Thrace.

At first, Ateas asked Philip for help. But when Philip's soldiers arrived, Ateas sent them away. He said the king of the Histriani had died, so no battle was needed.

Another problem happened during Philip's attack on Byzantium. The Scythians refused to give Philip's troops supplies. They claimed their land was too poor to help.

These small disagreements led Philip to invade Ateas's lands. The final reason for war was when Ateas stopped Philip from placing a statue of Heracles at the Danube River mouth.

In 339 BC, the two armies fought. The battle took place on the plains of what is now Dobruja. Ateas was killed during the fight. His army was completely defeated. Philip was also wounded, and his horse was killed in the battle.

To make peace, the Scythians had to give 20,000 women and 20,000 steppe horses to the Macedonians. After this big defeat, Ateas's empire fell apart. The Scythians lost their strong position in the Pontic steppe. They did not regain it for about 200 years, until the time of Scilurus in the 2nd century BC.

See also

In Spanish: Ateas para niños

Images for kids