a Scythian philosopher, who lived about 600 years before Christ. His father was one of the chiefs of his nation, and married a woman of Greece. Influenced in the Greek language by his mother, he caught the flame for Grecian literature, and prevailed upon the king to intrust him with an embassy to Athens. Arrived in that renowned city, he was introduced to Solon by one of his own countrymen, named Foxaros; and it is reported, that when he came to the door of Solon, he requested a servant to inform his master, that Anacharsis a Scythian was at the door, and was desirous of being received as his friend and guest. Solon is said to have returned for answer, that "friendships are best formed at home." To this the Scythian philosopher replied, "then let Solon who is at home, make me his friend and receive me into his house." Solon was so astonished at the propriety of this reply, that he gave him admittance; and, finding him upon farther acquaintance worthy of his confidence, he honoured him with his friendship. From such a well qualified master, Anacharsis rapidly acquired a knowledge of the wisdom of Greece, and the literature then in circulation. By the influence of Solon he was introduced to the principal characters of Athens, and was the first stranger who was honoured with the title of citizen by the Athenians.

After he had resided several years at Athens, he travelled through different countries in quest of knowledge, and then returned to his native country inflamed with the desire of instructing them in the laws and the religion of the Greeks. But his countrymen were not prepared to profit by his instructions; and while he was performing sacrifice to the goddess Cybele, correspondent to a vow which he had made on... Anachorete his way home, he was slain by an arrow, said to have proceeded from the king's own hand. Thus fell the Scythian philosopher a victim to the folly and ignorance of his countrymen, who wantonly rejected the wisdom and learning of Greece.

The energetic manner in which he was accustomed to express himself, gave birth to the proverbial saying, "Scythian eloquence." Although the potter's wheel was invented in the days of Homer, some have inaccurately ascribed its invention to Anacharsis. The following ingenious sayings may be mentioned as a specimen of his genius. "The best way of teaching a youth sobriety, is to set before his eyes a drunken man. The vine bears three sorts of fruit; the first pleasure, the second intoxication, the third remorse. An ape is by nature ridiculous; man by art and study. An Athenian of bad morals reproached him with being a Scythian: to him he replied, 'My country may be a disgrace to me, but you are a disgrace to your country.'" Some suppose, that the epithets which bear his name are spurious. (Gen. Biog.)