This pattern, which remained consistent throughout much of the seventh century, shows that Cimmerians and Scythians generally operated independently, and often at cross-purposes to each other, even when operating from the same or adjacent territories. One can assume that there was no love lost between these two. It was, after all, the Scythians who were ultimately instrumental in the expulsion of the Cimmerians (if the Treres are to be identified with the Cimmerians) from Asia. Assyrian diplomacy tried to turn this state of affairs to its own advantage. The proposed marriage of Esarhaddon's daughter to a Scythian chieftain, Bartatua (Protothyes of the Greeks), is a case in point. It is presented in the queries (no. 20; cf. no. 21) as a request for a formal (vassalage) treaty, because Šamaš is asked whether this Bartatua can be trusted to keep its terms. We are not told whether Esarhaddon acceded to the request, but considering the political situation at the time, it is more than likely. It can be assumed that an Assyrian-Scythian alliance of sorts resulted from these efforts and lasted into the reign of the son and successor of Protothyes, Madyas, who was instrumental in relieving Median pressure on Assyria, at least temporarily, by conquering their country.
Ivan Starr
Ivan Starr, 'Bartatua-Protothyes', Queries to the Sungod: Divination and Politics in Sargonid Assyria, SAA 4. Original publication: Helsinki, Helsinki University Press, 1990; online contents: SAAo/SAA04 Project, a sub-project of MOCCI, 2020 [http://oracc.org/saao/saa04/chronologyandhistoricalbackground/bartatuaprotothyes/]