Persica, by Ctesias of Cnidus

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The land of the Persians is full of wonders, as can be ascertained by anyone who has travelled to those distant lands. The Persians themselves, however, claim that true miracles lie further to the north of their realm, in the vast steppes spanning Europe and Asia.

Of the peoples who live there, the Arimaspians are known as particularly fierce warriors and warlocks. Now splintered into many warring tribes, the Arimaspians claim to be descended from ancient heroes who defended the world from bloodthirsty monsters, the vrakhiroi.

Initially, I was sceptical of these grandiose claims. However, having seen the monumental tombs and temples nestled amidst the mountains framing the grassy steppes, I am now willing to give credence to these legends. It may well be that our own stories of gods and heroes battling titans and centaurs were inspired by the Arimaspians’ glorious, if half-forgotten, past.