(01-05-2016, 08:43 AM)Urselius Wrote: As for physical descriptions, Ammianus described the eyes of the Persians as being like those of goats. Goats' eyes are very distinctive in having a horizontal slit for a pupil. Ammianus may, therefore, have been far more interested in making insults than in anthropological accuracy. Also there is the effect of fashion, I have a moustache and goatee, but I can grow a full beard. Fashion, such as tattooing, head-binding or facial hair styling, may have been used to differentiate between tribal groupings.
Thanks for this, Martin
Would Ammianus compliment the Alan's relative beauty ("tall and handsome") and then make a derogatory remark within the same sentence (his reference to their eyes)? I would say he describes them fairly, simply ending with his description of a gaze which appeared "fierce."
As your noticed, the difference in hair-styles, goatees rather than full beards, and tattoos, all contribute to a "fashion look" which various tribes may have chosen to distinguish themselves from the "others." The same appears to be true of the tall hats and headdresses worn by the Saka when compared to styles worn by Western "Pontic" Scythians.
Alan J. Campbell
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb
member of Legio III Cyrenaica and the Uncouth Barbarians
Author of:
The Demon's Door Bolt (2011)
Forging the Blade (2012)
"It's good to be king. Even when you're dead!"
Old Yuezhi/Pazyrk proverb