What is "scythia"

Scythia (; Ancient Greek: Σκυθική, Skythikē) was a region of Central Eurasia in classical antiquity, occupied by the Eastern Iranian Scythians, encompassing parts of Eastern Europe east of the Vistula River and Central Asia, with the eastern edges of the region vaguely defined by the Greeks. The Ancient Greeks gave the name Scythia (or Great Scythia) to all the lands north-east of Europe and the northern coast of the Black Sea.

The Scythians – the Greeks' name for this initially nomadic people – inhabited Scythia from at least the 11th century BC to the 2nd century AD. Its location and extent varied over time but usually extended farther to the west than is indicated on the map opposite.

Scythia was a loose state that originated as early as 8th century BC. Little is known of them and their rulers. The most detailed western description is by Herodotus, though it is uncertain he ever went to Scythia. He says the Scythians' own name for themselves was "Scoloti". The Scythians became increasingly settled and wealthy on their western frontier with Greco-Roman civilization.

Scythia is a Canadian folk/ progressive metal band. In 2008, lead singer and guitarist Dave Khan formed a group based in Vancouver called Thorgen Hellhammer's Orc Rampage. Bassist Terry Savage joined the band at an open mic night. The group toured and recorded an album before breaking up. Scythia was formed soon afterwards. Savage was the only British Columbia native in the group. Khan grew up in Ontario and moved to British Columbia to attend university. Drummer Celine Derval was born in France, grew up in Montreal and came west with her family. Oboist Morgan Zentner was born in the United States and lived in Montreal for a while before moving west to attend school.

The band relocated to Calgary in 2013. Zentner left the group at that time. AJ "Ireheart" Bergin joined the group as a second guitarist in 2013. Keyboardist Jeff Black became the fifth member of the group.

Scythia was nominated for a Sirius XM Indie Award for Metal Group of the Year in 2013.

The group's 2013 video "Bear Claw Tavern" premiered on the Guitar World web site.