Sarmatians

Sarmatians
Languages
	Scythian
Religion
	Scythian religion
Related ethnic groups
	Scythians, Alans, Ossetians

Sarmatian_cataphract_in_Trajan's_colmun,_2nd_century_CE

Roman_Empire_125

Sword_types_of_the_South_Urals,_Sauromatian_to_Early_Sarmatian_5th-1st_centuries_BCE

Reconstruction_of_Sarmatian_chieftain._Araltobe_mount,_Kazakhstan,_III-II_cc._BC._Excavation_of_Z._Samashev._Heritage_of_the_Great_Steppe_exhibition,_Gdańsk_Main_Town_Hall

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Sarmatian_bottle_and_lid_(1st_century_CE,_reproduction)

Sarmatian_cup_with_animal_handle_(1st_century_CE,_reproduction)

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

Religion[edit | edit source]

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

Legacy[edit | edit source]

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.