The works of ancient writers, opening the initial pages of Russian history, are examined for the first time in combination with monuments of fine art of the 6th-4th centuries. BC. Collected together, systematized and studied by the author, the evidence of the great Greek historians (Herodotus), playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes), orators (Isocrates, Demosthenes, Aeschines) and other great representatives of Ancient Greece makes it possible to recreate the history and culture, ethnogeography and folklore , morals and customs of the peoples inhabiting Eastern Europe, which the Hellenes called Scythia. The creations of ancient Greek sculptors, vase painters and jewelers allow us to clearly imagine the appearance and some details of the life of the Hellenes and Scythians who lived on the edge of the Greek ecumene in the Northern Black Sea region. The book is beautifully illustrated. For everyone interested in ancient history and culture, as well as for the widest range of readers. Contents: PREFACE 5CHAPTER I. GREEKS AND SCYTHIANS IN THE NORTHERN BLACK SEA REGION1. What is meant by Scythia 92. The Great Greek Colonization 113. Pontus Euxine and the Scythian Land 154. Toponymy - a witness to the meeting of the Greeks and Scythians 22CHAPTER II. AT THE BOARD OF THE REAL WORLD AND THE GREAT KINGDOM1. Heroes of the Trojan cycle of myths in Scythia and Taurica 312. The paths of Hercules through Scythia 453. The new homeland of the Amazons. 524. Argive princess Io 54CHAPTER III. IMAGES OF CUMMERIANS AND SCYTHIANS IN POETRY1. Singers of Cimmeria 582. Formation of stereotypes in the image of the Scythians 62CHAPTER IV. SCYTHIAN STORY OF HERODOTUS1. Biography of the “father of history” and his life’s work 722. Scythian-Persian War 793. Geography and ethnography of Scythia 864. History of Scythia in folk legends 985. Greek cities of Scythia 1126. Degree of reliability of the Scythian story 1217. Scythian story in the context of literature of the V-IV centuries . BC 127CHAPTER V. ON THE ATHENS STAGE1. Theaters in Greece and the Northern Black Sea region 1312. Great tragedians Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides 1353. Aristophanes' laughter 150CHAPTER VI. THE THEME OF THE NORTHERN BLACK SEA REGION IN THE SPEECHES OF ATHENS ORATORS1. Bosporan Kingdom in the V-IV centuries. BC e 1562. Types of eloquence 1583. Isocrates - defender of the Bosporan 1614. Demosthenes' connections with the Bosporus 1685. Litigation of merchants who traded with the Bosporus 176CHAPTER VII. THE POPULATION OF SCYTHIA IN THE WORKS OF HELLENIC ARTISTS1. Northern Black Sea Greeks 1832. Cimmerians and Taurians 1993. Scythians in Attic vase painting 2094. Masterpieces of Greek jewelry with scenes from the life of the Scythians 223 CONCLUSION 262 NOTES INDEX OF ANCIENT NAMES, GEOGRAPHICAL AND ETHNIC NAMES GREEK TEXTS WITH PARALLEL RUSSIAN TRANSLATION AND COMMENTARY LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS TABLE OF ANCIENT GREEK COINS