Scorched-earth policy

The central military problem was that the Scythians would not fight the kind of decisive battle Darius wanted. They divided their forces, withdrew and used a scorched-earth policy, denying the advancing Persians supplies. They also attacked Persian foraging parties with guerrilla tactics.

This was a scorched-earth policy. An army needed food and supplies to survive. Destroying them meant that future rebels—or returning Danish forces—would struggle to support themselves in the region.