The name 'Amazon' was not originally Greek; linguists believe it derived from the ancient Iranian word for 'warrior.'

From about 700 B.C. to A.D. 500, the vast territory of Scythia, stretching from the Black Sea to China, was home to diverse but culturally related nomads. Known as Scythians to Greeks, Saka to the Persians, and Xiongnu to the Chinese, the steppe tribes were masters of horses and archery.

It is said the boundless steppes of Asia gave flight to tales of heroes and heroines because the conditions there are so harsh.

Adrienne Mayor Quotes