Tomris’ kingdom was located in the area to the east of the Caspian Sea, in parts of modern-day Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, western Uzbekistan, and southern Kazakhstan.
Many scholars have suggested that the Massagetae were related to the Getae of ancient Eastern Europe. Some authors, have proposed relating the Massagetae to the Gutians of 2000 BC Mesopotamia, and/or a people known in ancient China as the "Da Yuezhi" or "Great Yuezhi" who founded the Kushan Empire in South Asia.
The Massagetae were related to the Scythians in their dress and mode of living; they fought on horseback and on foot. Most people remember Queen Tomris for her role in the defense against an attack by Cyrus the Great of the Achaemenid Empire (600/ 576 – 530 BC). In 530 BC, she may have killed one of the most famous Persians in history.
In order to acquire her realm, Cyrus first sent an offer of marriage to their queen, a proposal she rejected. He then commenced his attempt to take Massagetae territory by force. Queen Tomris' warriors won the day and according to Herodotus: "Tomris filled a skin with human blood, and sought for Cyrus' body among the Persian dead; when she found it, she put his head into the skin, and spoke these words of insult to the dead man: "Though I live and conquer thee, thou hast undone me, overcoming my son by guile; but even as I threatened, so will I do, and give thee thy fill of blood." - Herodotus, The History, Vol. 1.
Ctesias, in his Persica, has the longest account, which says Cyrus met his death while putting down resistance from the Derbices infantry, aided by other Scythian archers and cavalry, plus Indians and their elephants. According to him, this event took place northeast of the headwaters of the Syr Darya.
Art by Kanat Zharas.
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