The Forgotten Ancestors: How the Iranic Alans and Germanic Vandals Shaped Europe

Iranic Alans & Germanic Vandals

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As an Iranian-American and a student of history, my fascination with the legacy of the Alans, an Iranic people, and their migration alongside the Germanic Vandals into Europe stems from a deep sense of ancestral pride and historical reflection. Understanding their journey reveals not only their resilience but also the ways in which their migration and intermarriage with the Vandals left a lasting imprint on European civilization.

The Origins of the Alans and Vandals

The Alans, an Iranic nomadic people, originated in the Eurasian steppes, descendants of the ancient Sarmatians and Scythians. Known for their equestrian mastery and warrior culture, they were a fierce and independent people, often described by Roman chroniclers as both allies and adversaries. Meanwhile, the Vandals were a Germanic tribe hailing from the Baltic region, who, like the Alans, sought new lands amidst the turmoil of the late Roman Empire.

The migrations of these peoples were precipitated by external pressures, most notably the expansion of the Huns in the late 4th century CE. The Huns’ invasions forced many groups, including the Alans, to flee westward in search of safety and stability. This marked the beginning of their long journey into Europe.

The Great Migration and Alliance

As the Huns swept through the steppes, they devastated the Alans' traditional homeland. Faced with annihilation or subjugation, many Alans sought refuge by joining forces with other displaced peoples. It was during this period of upheaval that the Alans formed a crucial alliance with the Vandals.

The two groups shared a common enemy in the Huns and found unity in their mutual need for survival. Together, they crossed into the Roman Empire’s territories, carving out paths through Gaul, Spain, and eventually into North Africa.

Intermarriage and Cultural Exchange

The intermarriage between the Alans and Vandals played a significant role in shaping the identity of the Vandal kingdom. Alanic nobility intermingled with Vandal elites, creating a hybrid ruling class that preserved elements of both cultures. The Alans contributed their horsemanship and military tactics, while the Vandals brought their own traditions and organizational structures.

This blending of cultures is evident in the military strategies employed during the Vandals’ conquest of North Africa and their subsequent establishment of a kingdom centered in Carthage. The influence of Alanic cavalry tactics was crucial in securing their victories over the Romans and Berbers.

Why They Fled Asia

The Alans’ migration from Asia was driven by a combination of factors. The primary catalyst was the Hunnic invasion, which disrupted the balance of power in the steppes. However, deeper issues also contributed to their exodus. Climate changes and resource scarcity had made life in the steppes increasingly difficult, while the fragmentation of the once-dominant Sarmatian confederacies left the Alans vulnerable to external threats.

Additionally, the Alans, like many Iranic peoples, faced cultural and religious encroachments. The spread of Zoroastrianism in Iran and the rise of new empires such as the Sasanians may have alienated nomadic groups who adhered to more ancient, tribal spiritualities.

Legacy in Europe

The legacy of the Alans and Vandals persists in subtle yet profound ways. While the Vandals’ name has become synonymous with destruction—largely due to Roman propaganda—their kingdom was a center of cultural exchange and innovation. Alanic influence can be traced in the development of European cavalry traditions, particularly in the medieval knightly class, which drew upon the horsemanship techniques pioneered by Iranic peoples.

In modern times, the story of the Alans and Vandals serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of civilizations. Their migration into Europe exemplifies how displaced peoples can adapt, integrate, and contribute to new societies. For those of us with ties to Iranic ancestry, the Alans stand as a testament to our forebears’ resilience and ingenuity.

Conclusion

The story of the Alans and Vandals is not just a historical curiosity; it is a narrative of survival, adaptation, and cultural synthesis. For me, as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and Christian conservative, this history resonates deeply. It underscores the importance of preserving one’s heritage while embracing new opportunities, a lesson that remains relevant in our increasingly globalized world.

Citations

1. Gibbon, Edward. The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. London: Strahan & Cadell, 1776.
2. Heather, Peter. Empires and Barbarians: The Fall of Rome and the Birth of Europe. Oxford University Press, 2010.
3. Pohl, Walter. The Avars: A Steppe Empire in Central Europe, 567–822. Cornell University Press, 2018.
4. Bachrach, Bernard S. A History of the Alans in the West: From Their First Appearance in the Sources of Classical Antiquity Through the Early Middle Ages. University of Minnesota Press, 1973.
5. Golden, Peter B. An Introduction to the History of the Turkic Peoples. Otto Harrassowitz, 1992.