The Iranic Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alani: A Roman Perspective on Their Size, Color, Hair, and Appearance

Blonde Iranic Scythian
(Non-Hun/Turk/Mongol)

The Iranic Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alani: A Roman Perspective on Their Size, Color, Hair, and Appearance

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 with a deep interest in history and heritage, I have often pondered the ancient descriptions of my ancestors. The Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alani, tribes of the Iranic steppe, loom large in both historical records and the collective memory of the Iranian people. What makes these descriptions particularly fascinating is how they were perceived by their Roman contemporaries, who provided vivid accounts of their size, color, hair, and overall appearance. These depictions reveal much about the physicality and presence of these legendary Iranic peoples.

Roman Descriptions of the Scythians

The Scythians, as described by Roman historians such as Herodotus and later by Ammianus Marcellinus, were a fearsome and imposing group. Herodotus described them as fierce nomadic warriors of the Eurasian steppe, whose striking physical characteristics matched their martial prowess. Roman sources often noted their tall stature, muscular build, and ruddy complexions, reflecting their constant exposure to the harsh climates of the steppes.

Their hair was often described as being golden or reddish in color, though darker tones were also common. This variability in hair color was likely due to the intermingling of Scythians with neighboring tribes and regions. Their overall appearance was considered exotic and intimidating, with the Romans noting their distinctive attire, which included long, flowing robes and pointed hats, a style that would later influence other nomadic groups.

Sarmatians: The Noble Warriors

The Sarmatians, closely related to the Scythians, were often depicted as their successors in the steppe regions. Roman chroniclers, including Tacitus and Pliny the Elder, wrote about the Sarmatians' impressive size and their commanding presence on the battlefield. They were described as taller than the average Roman, with robust and sinewy frames, traits that made them formidable adversaries.

In terms of complexion, the Sarmatians were often described as fair-skinned, with some accounts noting a paler complexion compared to other steppe tribes. Their hair ranged from light brown to golden, often worn long and flowing, symbolizing their warrior status. The Sarmatians also adorned themselves with intricate jewelry and armor, emphasizing their noble lineage and prowess.

The Alani: The Legendary Horsemen

The Alani, another branch of the Iranic steppe peoples, were perhaps the most celebrated for their horsemanship. Ammianus Marcellinus provides a detailed description of their appearance, emphasizing their tall and well-proportioned frames. The Alani were said to possess strikingly sharp features, with high cheekbones and deep-set eyes that exuded both intelligence and ferocity.

Their hair was described as a mix of light and dark shades, with golden hues being especially prized. Roman sources noted that the Alani took great pride in their grooming, often braiding their hair or adorning it with decorative elements. Their skin tone was lighter than many of the peoples surrounding the Roman Empire, a detail that the Romans frequently used to distinguish them from other groups.

The Legacy of Iranic Aesthetics

The Roman descriptions of the Scythians, Sarmatians, and Alani provide not only a glimpse into their physical attributes but also highlight the cultural and aesthetic values of these Iranic peoples. Their tall stature, varied hair colors, and distinct features were celebrated in Roman accounts as marks of nobility and strength. These descriptions resonate with the pride many Iranians feel today for their ancestral heritage.

Reflecting on my journey as an Iranian-American ex-Muslim and former socialist, I see parallels between the Iranic peoples’ resilience and my own quest for truth. Like my ancestors, I have traversed ideological and spiritual landscapes, embracing the light of truth in Christianity, where strength and nobility find their ultimate expression in Christ. The Iranic tribes were a people of unyielding spirit, and their Roman depictions serve as a reminder of the beauty and strength of our shared heritage.

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Citations:

1. Herodotus. The Histories, Book IV. Translated by Aubrey de Sélincourt, Penguin Classics, 1996.
2. Tacitus. The Annals of Imperial Rome. Translated by Michael Grant, Penguin Classics, 1996.
3. Ammianus Marcellinus. The Later Roman Empire (A.D. 354-378). Translated by Walter Hamilton, Penguin Classics, 1986.
4. Pliny the Elder. Natural History, Book VI. Translated by H. Rackham, Loeb Classical Library, 1938.
5. Sulimirski, Tadeusz. The Sarmatians. Thames & Hudson, 1970.
6. Davis-Kimball, Jeannine. Warrior Women: An Archaeologist's Search for History's Hidden Heroines. Warner Books, 2002.