>>46388
The part about the Scythians and the related folks is actually quite reliable and many what he wrote was confirmed in other sources and by archaeology. But for example the geography of Scythia is absolutely vague.
Stuff like gold guarding griffins can be made to make sense. Griffins in the art of steppe people is a notable motif, they feature on pottery, carpets, jewelry, carvings, and whatnot, and they can be found in grave goods, where much golden wares were buried.
Many things can be a matter of interpretation. Plus historians apply criticism to their sources, and test them to other sources.