Roxolani and Iaziges

[Alanus]

Michael,

Thanks for elaborating on some the points I last mentioned. I'd also noticed that Iazage graves in Pannonia contained bone arrowheads, not iron ones. (And at this time they should have been iron, not bronze). Even their consistent use of short swords might indicate a design produced in an iron-poor area, although I still think they reflected a different style of cavalry warfare than the Roxolani. Obviously, their need for iron-- and particularly salt, as you mentioned-- shows their desire or even basic need to trade with a Sarmatian group which had access to everything within the Northern trade network... a trade road that actually still went down into India. The Iaz were fond of jewelry designed with carnelian beads and carbuncles and (more rarely) Bactrian and Indic stones.

This lack of iron could manifest in leather armor, as you pointed out and illustrated earlier. Leather armor seems quite logical in the Iazage's case. As an aside, if anyone following this thread might consider becoming an Iazage re-enactor, leather is a far cheaper option than the heavy cataphract-styled versions used by the Roxolani. (My entire Roxolanus kit ended up far more expensive than the average Roman one, the cost actually staggering.) Also, I believe one or two arrow makers are now offering bone heads, perfect for the "modern Iazage."

As to the origin of the name Roxolani (aka Rhoxalani) the older spelling indicates the same structure as the nomen of Alexander's wife, who was Bactrian. (Mallory notes the closest language to Alanic was Sogdian, and the Bactrians apparently spoke Sogdian. Also, this fact alludes to the geographical area originally inhabited by the Alans.) I would rather accept that explanation over others, especially the hypothetical "Rus" version. This subject might be best discussed in "Origin of the Alans," the thread I threatened to initiate last week. I think I go for it with your aid; and I hope other RATers might join the "party."