Question

the ancient greek historian herodotus (c. 484–425 bce), who encountered many nomadic groups during his travels in the eurasian steppe, described pastoralist scythians as:
\having neither cities nor forts and carrying their dwellings with them wherever they go: accustomed, moreover, one and all of them, to shoot from horseback: and living not by husbandry but on their cattle, their wagons the only houses that they possess, how can they fail of being unconquerable, and unassailable even.\
based on source 11, how would you characterize the main relationship between the pastoral scythians and the sedentary communities?
a trading - partner relationship
a cooperative relationship
a sister - culture relationship
a rival relationship

Explanation:

The Scythians are described as having neither cities nor forts, being nomadic, and "unassailable even" which implies they might have had conflicts with sedentary communities (who likely had cities/forts). A rival relationship fits as sedentary and nomadic pastoralist groups often had competitive or conflicting interactions over resources, territory, etc. A trading - partner relationship would imply more cooperative economic exchanges, a cooperative relationship is inconsistent with the "unassailable" and lack of shared urban structures, and a sister - culture relationship implies more cultural similarity/cooperation which isn't indicated.

Answer:

D. A rival relationship