Sarmatian (or Scythian) soldiers in the 1st century AD

[Robert Vermaat]

When you remember that a large draft of Sarmatian heavy cavalry were sent to Britain by Marcus Aurelius after he succeeded in obtaining a peace treaty with the nomadic Sarmatian tribes, the connection to the Arthurian Mythos may not be so very far-fetched.

First of all it was no peace treaty, the Sarmatians were defeated and had to provide troops.

Secondly, there is no proof that large numbers of Sarmatians remained in Britain.

Thirdly, 'Arthur' supposedly lived 300 years later than this event...

[brennivs - tony drake]

Marcvs here is the Horn Lorica of mine ,it needs a bit of work on the shoulder gaurd as the linen has torn
Regards Brennivs

[Aryaman2]

They moved up, throwing their javelins or using their lances and, as occasion required, their light-weight swords to close in and wound the unprotected Sarmatians, who do not normally carry shields..

I wonder, What kind of Roman units would be those carrying lances?

[Marcus Mummius]

[

Perhaps they mean 'spears'?

Great piece of armour Tony! Is that wood on the chestarea?

Vale,

[Paullus]

If you are looking for Sarmatian gear, Samarkandia provides some pieces. The sword looks quite spiffy although I have to say the example Jyrki posted is a much nicer piece.

http://www.samarkandia.com/en/peuple-2.php

[Aryaman2]

Perhaps they mean 'spears'?



Vale,

No, I checked the latin original and the word is lancea

Edit: Ok, it could be spears, but what units would carry them? Legionary in addition to pila or auxilia?

[brennivs - tony drake]

Marcvs no it is white horn with tinned iron shoulder gaurds.It is quite heavy and it does not stop ballista bolts :lol: :lol: But it is a great piece of kit I hope to wear it one day once I fix it up
Regards Brennivs

[jonwr]

These folks have a ring hilt sword (Sarmatian)
Don't know how authentic but I guess gives an idea.
Not too sure n their aromour for the period.
http://www.samarkandia.com/en/peuple-2.php
Jon R

[Paullus Scipio]

Jef wrote:-

I wonder, What kind of Roman units would be those carrying lances?

It's a mistranslation, and the original read more like " throwing their pila or using their lancea and....

The lancea (latin translation of Greek longche) was a short dual purpose throwing/thrusting spear, almost the standard weapon of Auxiliaries, and by Arrian's time (early second cnetury A.D.) if not before, a portion of the legionaries as well.[/quote]

[Paullus Scipio]

To Gioi:-

Believe it or not, I still have the sketches that Ian Heath worked from back in 1979 to produce those line drawings for "Armies and Enemies of Imperial Rome"! )

[Paullus Scipio]

Lucky of you!.. that must cost a fortune!

Not at all, Gioi ! ...They are my original drawings/sketches that I supplied Phil Barker with!

[Paullus Scipio]

Gioi wrote:-

I'm confused

So you did supplied your sketches to Phil & then Ian H. did the final work, thats why he is credited?

Did you made the plates in J. Warry's book like in your avatar?

That's correct - the research and original sketches that the artists worked from were mine in both cases - but I am not a very good artist )

[brennivs - tony drake]

Jonwr I am afraid it is not a ring pommel I have across,the ring like that has to my knowledge not been found,the grip is too long and non have been found that have a diamond cross section blade, but you never know it could be new one D
Regards Brennivs

[jonwr]

Tony
Nice swords you have there.
I didn't know how accurate or not those from Samakandia were or not.
I think a lot of offerings for this time period are what people would like them to be. If you follow my drift.
Jon R.

[Marcus Mummius]

Gioi wrote:-

I'm confused

So you did supplied your sketches to Phil & then Ian H. did the final work, thats why he is credited?

Did you made the plates in J. Warry's book like in your avatar?

That's correct - the research and original sketches that the artists worked from were mine in both cases - but I am not a very good artist )

Oh now I'm clear!... you still lucky, I wich I could have someone that can project all my ideas as well 8)

BTW: where is the autor of this topic?... he is missing good things here :wink:

I'm not missing anything here Gioi, I'm just totaly ignorant on this subject, but I'm soaking everything in
All this info is fantastic!

I'm still unsure what a Sarmatian fighting for Rome would wear armourwise. A horn cuirras? Chainmail? A metal squamata?

Valete fratres!
Jef