SAUROMATES Meaning and
Definition
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Sauromates, derived from the Greek terms "sauros" meaning lizard and "mateia" referring to a tribe or people, is a term historically used to identify a nomadic or semi-nomadic Eastern Iranian people who inhabited the northwestern regions of the Pontic-Caspian Steppe during antiquity. Sauromates is also occasionally used as a collective name for several tribes or confederations that belonged to this Iranian ethnic group.
These tribes were primarily settled between the late 1st century BC and the 4th century AD. They were known for their horseback riding skills and were adept at breeding and training horses. The Sauromates were characterized by their semi-nomadic lifestyle, often moving according to seasonal patterns and in search of pasture for their herds.
The Sauromates were involved in military conflicts and interactions with neighboring tribes and empires such as the Sarmatians, Scythians, and Romans. Some Sauromatian tribes were later known to have established relationships with the Byzantine Empire. The Sauromates created their own modest kingdoms, which were organized under tribal or confederal structures. They were mainly engaged in pastoralism and agriculture, while their diet consisted of livestock products and cultivated crops.
The Sauromates left a limited archaeological record, with most of our knowledge derived from ancient writings and historical accounts. Although their culture and way of life eventually merged with other peoples in the region over time, the Sauromates remain an intriguing historical group in the study of the diverse populations of ancient Eurasia.
Etymology of SAUROMATES
The word sauromates is derived from Greek. It combines the Greek words sauros meaning lizard or reptile and mates meaning man or person. So, the literal meaning of sauromates is lizard-man or reptile-person.
