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Legend of the Golden Man: Secrets of the Steppes

The Scythians fascinated the ancients and now new analysis of archaeological discoveries in Kazakhstan and across the Great Steppes are shedding light on their remarkable world.

Who were the Scythians? Two and a half thousand years ago, a collection of nomadic tribes dominated territory from Europe to China. The Scythians fascinated the ancients and now new analysis of archaeological discoveries in Kazakhstan and across the Great Steppes are shedding light on their remarkable world. These range from skulls showing ferocious battle trauma to the intricate gold plaques depicting Scythian horsemen to the fabulously decorated burial outfit of the Golden Man. Historian Bettany Hughes reveals some surprising secrets of the dead, from their heady drug rituals and human sacrifices to their heroic warrior women.

30 minutes

Last on

Christmas Eve 201821:30GMT

Broadcasts

  • Sat 7 Jul 201812:30GMT
  • Sun 8 Jul 201800:30GMT
  • Sun 8 Jul 201807:30GMT
  • Sun 8 Jul 201819:30GMT
  • Sun 8 Jul 201822:30GMT
  • Mon 9 Jul 201800:30GMT
  • Tue 10 Jul 201808:00GMT
  • Fri 20 Jul 201808:00GMT
  • Christmas Eve 201802:30GMT
  • Christmas Eve 201807:30GMT
  • Christmas Eve 201814:30GMT
  • Christmas Eve 201821:30GMT