Alanic Sarmatian influence in the 5th century

[Alanus]

I'm sure Stilicho used a distinctly "Roman styled" slide. But a scabbard slide is a scabbard slide-- a 1-point suspension system. Both Maenchen-Helfen and Trousdale, our best authoritative "know-it-alls," concluded the slide originated in wood as used by the steppe tribes living east of the Urals, thus introducing it to the Chinese who copied it in jade and bronze. It went down into India, then onto the Central Plains of Sassania, across the North Pontic area, and finally to the Romans. No matter what style it evolved into, it was a Saka/Sarmatian invention. It was replaced in China by the 2-point suspension system in the Eastern Han Dynasty; and every culture followed suit, used by such notables as General Sherman and the Shriners.

[attachment=12368]Stilico_diptych.jpg[/attachment]
Stilicho, Serena, and little Eucharius... all conveniently killed by Honorian Henchmen. Nice people, the Romans. :whistle: