Sarmatians

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Ancient Iranian people

The Sarmatians were an ancient Iranian people who lived in the region known as Sarmatia, which encompassed parts of present-day Ukraine, Southern Russia, and the eastern Balkans. They were part of the larger group of Iranian peoples and were closely related to the Scythians.

History

The Sarmatians emerged around the 5th century BCE and became prominent in the region by the 4th century BCE. They were known for their nomadic lifestyle and their skills in horseback riding and archery. The Sarmatians played a significant role in the history of the Eurasian Steppe and had interactions with various ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, and Persians.

Early Period

In their early history, the Sarmatians were closely associated with the Scythians, another Iranian nomadic group. Over time, they began to dominate the Scythians and expanded their territory westward into the Pontic-Caspian steppe.

Roman Period

During the Roman Empire, the Sarmatians had both hostile and cooperative interactions with the Romans. They served as mercenaries in the Roman army and were involved in various military campaigns. The Sarmatians also influenced the Roman cavalry tactics with their advanced horsemanship.

Decline

The decline of the Sarmatians began in the late 4th century CE, largely due to the invasions of the Huns. By the early Middle Ages, the Sarmatians had largely assimilated into other cultures, including the Alans and the Slavs.

Culture

The Sarmatians had a rich cultural heritage that included distinctive art, clothing, and burial practices. They were known for their elaborate kurgans (burial mounds) and their use of gold in jewelry and weaponry.

Language

The Sarmatians spoke a dialect of the Scythian languages, which is part of the Eastern Iranian languages.

Religion

The Sarmatians practiced a form of the Scythian religion, which included the worship of various deities and the use of shamanistic rituals.

Legacy

The legacy of the Sarmatians can be seen in the cultures of the Alans and the modern Ossetians, who are considered their descendants. The Sarmatians also left a lasting impact on the military tactics and cavalry traditions of the regions they inhabited.

Related Pages

• Scythians
• Alans
• Ossetians
• Eurasian Steppe
• Pontic-Caspian steppe
• Kurgan