Massagetae facts for kids
The Massagetae (say: Mass-uh-GET-ay) were an ancient group of nomadic tribes. They were part of the Eastern Iranian family. They lived in the wide, flat lands (called steppes) of Central Asia. This area is now parts of Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, north-east of the Caspian Sea. They were also part of the larger Scythian cultures and were related to the Saka people.
Ancient Greek and Roman writers said that the Massagetae lived near other groups. To their north were the Aspasioi. To their west were the Scythians and the Dahae. To their east were the Issedones. The region of Sogdia was to their south.
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What Does Their Name Mean?
The name "Massagetae" comes from Greek. It is the plural form of a personal name, Masságēs.
Experts believe the original Iranian name was *Masyaka-tā. This name likely means "concerned with fish" or "fisherman." This fits with what the ancient Greek historian Herodotus wrote. He said the Massagetae "live on their livestock and fish."
History of the Massagetae
Most of what we know about the Massagetae comes from the writings of Herodotus. He described them living on a large plain east of the Caspian Sea. Herodotus often mentioned them living "beyond the River Araxes." This river flows through the Caucasus mountains. Historians think Herodotus might have mixed up different rivers. This is because his knowledge of geography was sometimes limited.
According to Herodotus, the Massagetae attacked the Scythians. In response, the Scythians crossed the Araxes river. They then invaded the land of the Cimmerians. The Cimmerians fled into Anatolia. The Scythians followed them and eventually invaded the Medes.
The Death of Cyrus the Great
Many Greek historians wrote about the Massagetae queen, Tomyris. They said she "defeated and killed" Cyrus the Great. Cyrus was the founder of the powerful Persian Empire. This happened when he tried to conquer her country. Herodotus wrote about this conflict around 100 years later. Tomyris's story became very famous. Other ancient writers like Strabo and Polyaenus also wrote about her.
Cyrus and his advisor Croesus offered a peace treaty to the Massagetae. Cyrus suggested marrying Queen Tomyris. Tomyris refused his offer. She sent a strong letter to Cyrus, warning him not to advance. However, Cyrus wanted to bring peace to the northern parts of his growing empire. So, he advanced towards the Jaxartes river with his Persian army around 530 BCE.
Following Croesus's advice, Cyrus left a small group of Persians behind. He also set up a large feast with food and wine. His plan was for the Massagetae to attack this small group. Then, they would eat and drink too much. Among the Massagetae was Tomyris's son, Spargapises. He was a general in her army. He ate and drank so much that he became unable to fight.
Greek historians say Cyrus won his first attack. His advisors suggested a trap for the Massagetae. The Persians left behind a camp that looked empty. It had a lot of wine. The Massagetae were not used to drinking wine. They drank so much that they became unable to fight. The Persians then returned and attacked them. They defeated the Massagetae forces and captured Spargapises. More Massagetae soldiers were captured than killed in this fight.
When Spargapises realized his mistake, he begged Cyrus for freedom. Cyrus ordered him to be set free. Once free, Spargapises took his own life. He was filled with despair over his humiliation and defeat.
Tomyris sent a message to Cyrus, accusing him of trickery. With all her forces, she challenged him to a second battle. In this fight, the Massagetae won. The Persians were defeated with many casualties. According to Herodotus, Cyrus was killed by Tomyris's order. She reportedly said, "I warned you that I would quench your thirst for blood, and so I shall." However, other sources, like Xenophon, say Cyrus died peacefully in his bed.
Culture
We don't know much about the original language of the Massagetae. It seems to have been similar to the Eastern Iranian languages. For example, Spargapises's name is similar to names from the Scythian languages. This might be because they interacted a lot with neighboring peoples.
Possible Connections to Other Ancient Peoples
Ancient Writers' Views
Herodotus said the Massagetae were a large and warlike nation. He believed they lived beyond the Araxes river. He also thought they were a type of Scythian people.
Ammianus Marcellinus thought the Alans were the same as the earlier Massagetae. In the late 300s CE, the poet Claudian wrote about Alans and Massagetae together. He mentioned "the Massagetes who cruelly wound their horses that they may drink their blood."
Medieval Writers' Views
Procopius wrote in his History of the Wars that "the Massagetae whom they now call Huns." He also described a brave Massagetae leader who was the first to attack in all Hunnic armies.
Evagrius Scholasticus also wrote that the Huns were "formerly known by the name of Massagetae." He mentioned them crossing the Ister river.
A 9th-century book by Rabanus Maurus said: "The Massagetae are from the tribe of the Scythians. They are called Massagetae, as if heavy, that is, strong Getae." In Central Asian languages, the word massa means "great," "heavy," or "strong."
Modern Writers' Views
Many experts believe the Massagetae were related to the Getae people. The Getae lived in ancient Eastern Europe.
Tadeusz Sulimirski noted that the Saka people also invaded parts of Northern India. Some linguists have found similarities between Indian and Central Asian languages. This supports the idea of historical Saka influence in Northern India.
Rüdiger Schmitt noted that Byzantine writers used "Massagetae" as an old term for Huns, Turks, and Tatars. However, he said this doesn't mean they were the same in ancient times.
See also
In Spanish: Maságetas para niños
Images for kids
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Queen Tomyris of the Massagetae receiving the head of Cyrus the Great. 1670–1672 painting.
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Queen Tomyris of the Massagetae, receiving the head of Cyrus the Great, circa 530 BCE (18th century painting).
