The Saka and Scythians were nomad horse tribes north of Persia, divided by the Sea of Azov into western and eastern groups. In the west the Greeks called the nomads Scythians, in the east the Persians called them Saka. The Persians and Medes held old grudges with the Scythians. According to one fable, Cyrus the Great was killed by Queen Tomyris of the Saka.
THE HAMMER POISED
Herodotus’ claim that Darius’ invasion force totalled 700,000 men is disputed. Still, it was a large force, maybe around 90,000-100,000 soldiers. A large fleet of warships and transports set up supply depots along the Black Sea coast. We are told that contingents from all 23 nations were represented, including the Ionian Greeks. One can assume that the Persian Immortals were on hand, leading the masses of infantry. Cyrus’ programme of raising the quality and quantity of Persian cavalry helped them scout ahead after the elusive Scythians. The Thracian and Getae tribes were simply overwhelmed in the army’s path.
The Persian host swept up to the Danube River (called the Ister by the Greeks). The river was bridged with boats and the Persians crossed into ‘Scythian
