This is one of the 23 delegations (satrapies) shown bringing offerings to the King during the New Year (Nou Rutz) festival.
The bas relief of each delegation provides valuable insight into the clothes and gifts from each region at that time.

The Amyrgian Scythians (Sogdians) are 1st from the left (6th from the right) on the middle tier of the Apadana stairway.
Known to the Persians as Saka they lived close to Bactria and Sogdiana. They venerated the Haoma plant which is important in Zoroastrianism.

They are represented by 4 members, and bring 2 short swords, armlets, a stallion and battle axes.

In these photographs I show the bas reliefs as they appear (which has little tonal range due to the shade). I have carefully enhanced the photographs by blurring the backgrounds in order to reveal their otherwise hidden beauty. I hope you find them as fascinating as I do.