Leather made of HUMAN skin by nomadic warriors 2,000 years ago is unearthed in Ukraine in ‘grisly’ discovery

Archaeologists have made a 'horrific' find in Ukraine – a hide made from human skin by nomadic warriors 2,000 years ago.

These artifacts date back to the ancient Scythians, who originated in Central Asia and were known for their ferocity in battle and the use of innovative weapons.

Stories were passed down by the ancient Greeks, who claimed that the Scythians removed the skin from an enemy's right hand and used it to make leather.

The discovery made by researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark is the first evidence to prove that the writings were more than just a myth.

The team found human skinThey mixed with those found in animals, creating a patchwork-like material that the warrior carried as trophy.

The team discovered 18 burials in 14 different Scythian sites in southern Ukraine, revealing 45 skin samples.

The majority of animal hides are derived from goat or sheep species, with others coming from carnivores.

The team believes the predators were leopard, lion, marten, wolverine, otter or hyena.

Analysis revealed that two specimens belonged to humans, and matched a text written by the ancient Greek “father of history” Herodotus, who wrote a book around 430 BC about the Scythians.

One sample of human skin was mixed with goat, horse and cattle skin to make a bag that once held arrows.

The Scythians, or Saka, were Iranian nomads who roamed large parts of the Eurasian steppe from the ninth century BC to the fourth century AD.

The team discovered 18 burials at 14 different Scythian sites in southern Ukraine, uncovering 45 skin samples.

The artifact in the second burial was made of human, sheep, goat and horse skin.

The book includes tales of Scythians drinking the blood of their enemies, using human scalps as trophies, and skinning their dead enemies to turn the skin into a leather covering for their quiver.

The team found human skin mixed with animal skin, creating a patchwork-like material that the warrior carried as a souvenir. Human remains have been identified in the skin shown here

“The Scythian drinks the blood of the first man who brought him down. He carries the heads of all whom he has slain in battle to his king…” as a passage from the book reads.

“Many of the Scythians even make wearable garments from these scalps, sewing them together like layers of skin. Many also strip off skin, nails, and all, from the right hands of their dead enemies, and make coverings for their quivers.

“The surprising discovery is the presence of two samples of human skin, which for the first time provides direct evidence for the claim of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus that the Scythians used the skins of their dead enemies to manufacture souvenir leather goods,” the researchers wrote in the study. Study published in One plus.

The team also noted in the study that archaeological finds also support other Scythian customs described by Herodotus.

For example, a recent reinvestigation of one of the four largest Scythian royal burials in southern Ukraine led to the discovery of a large funerary ceremonial area in the immediate vicinity.

Men, women and children were buried in the mound, all of whom appear to have been killed and buried there as part of the funerary rites of the royal occupant of the burial mound.

The Scythians, or Saka, were Iranian nomads who roamed large parts of the Eurasian steppe from the ninth century BC to the fourth century AD.

They are believed to have been among the first to master mounted warfare and lived in confederated tribes.

The ancient tribe were also skilled archers and often obtained work as mercenaries.