One of the Greek observers of the Scythians, the 5th century BC historian and ethnographer Herodotus, produced a detailed account of their life style and recent history.
The archaeology of the Scythians and kindred groups, particularly from the excavation of their royal tombs, such as Pazyryrk, has both confirmed and supplemented his account.
For example, one Pazyryk grave yielded remains of a fur pouch containing hemp seed, a censer for burning them and a tent in which to inhale their fumes, all described by Herodotus as part of the rituals surrounding burial. The description he gives here of the accompanying sacrifices is also supported by archaeology.
