Snake venoms are among the most complex of all biological toxins and are composed of numerous enzymatic substances. In fact, 20+ different enzymes have been identified in snake venoms (although no one species possesses all of these!) Most species possess between 7-10 different enzymes.
These various enzymes have different functions in their action when secreted and therefore any type of venom is reliant on a multiple reaction to be effective. In general there are:
1) haemotoxin types which break down tissue
2) neurotoxin types which affect the central nervous system
In Europe the vipera berus is the most widespread poisonous snake. The long nosed viper or sand viper V.ammodytes can grow to be 75cm but some males have been recorded to reach around 90cm.
On some of the Greek islands the Malpolon monspessulanus can be found. They are very aggressive and usually between 100-150cm in length but some can get to 200cm long! Their venom is particularly powerful which produces immediate pain.
Unfortunately although scholars can not be certain what types of poisonous snakes were used by the Scythians but we can get some idea of the effect a poisoned arrow would have made on its victim. We believe that the Scythians used decomposed poisonous snakes and human blood incubated in a manure heap. The blood was a breeding ground for bacteria and the manure contained the germs of tetanus and gangrene. In most cases death would be within an hour, or after a day gangrene would set in and a few days later tetanus would kill.
I believe that ancient armies must have been demoralised by the mere sight of archers as they would not be sure if they were going to use poisoned arrows.
2007-12-04 @ 14:44