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Steppe nomads: the felt-tent steam bath of the Scythians
One of the oldest written accounts of a sweat bath comes from the steppe: in the 5th century BC the Greek historian Herodotus described how the Scythians bathed in a felt tent over red-hot stones.
Updated: September 2026 · independent guide, sources linked
No tent needed today: a compact barrel sauna fits into almost any garden.
Barrel sauna guide →At a glance
| Who | Scythians, mounted nomads of the Eurasian steppe |
|---|---|
| Source | Herodotus, Histories, Book IV, 73–75 (5th century BC) |
| Construction | three poles covered with felt |
| Heat | red-hot stones in a vessel |
| Archaeology | hemp seeds in the Pazyryk burials (Altai), 5th–2nd century BC |
What Herodotus reports
In his "Histories" (Book IV, 73–75), Herodotus describes a Scythian purification ritual after a burial: they set up three poles leaning against each other, stretched felt blankets over them and placed red-hot stones in a vessel in the middle. On these they threw hemp seeds, which gave off smoke and vapour. According to Herodotus, the Scythians greatly enjoyed this steam bath – it took the place of washing with water.
Archaeological finds fit this account: hemp seeds were found in the Pazyryk burials in the Altai, dated to the 5th to 2nd century BC.
What about the Mongols?
People often ask whether the Mongols also had a sauna tradition. We haven't found reliable evidence for one. The Scythians do show, however, that nomads of the Eurasian steppe knew a sweat bath in a tent as early as antiquity. We'll add to this page as soon as we have solid sources.
History at a glance
- 5th century BCHerodotus describes the Scythians' felt-tent steam bath.
- 5th–2nd century BCHemp seeds in the Pazyryk burials support his account.
From tent to garden sauna
The principle – a light cover, hot stones, steam – also appears in the North American sweat lodge. In the garden today, a prefabricated barrel sauna plays this role: delivered ready, compact and quick to heat. On the origins of its construction: barrel sauna: origins and construction.
No tent needed today: a compact barrel sauna fits into almost any garden.
Barrel sauna guide →More sauna types: Finnish sauna · Smoke sauna · Wood-fired sauna · Electric sauna · Barrel sauna · Sauna cabin · Infrared sauna · Bio sauna · Steam room · Kelo sauna · Kota sauna · Mobile sauna
Sweat baths of other cultures: Banya (Eastern Europe) · Roman baths · Hammam · Sweat lodge (North America) · Temazcal (Mesoamerica) · Qargi (Yup'ik & Inuit) · Hanjeungmak (Korea) · Mushiburo (Japan) · Sweathouses (Ireland)
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